China has unveiled a larger, more advanced variant of its Type 054 frigate – the Type 054B. The new frigate comes equipped with an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced radar, enhancing its detection and response capabilities.
It also features a combined diesel and gas power system, making it harder to detect.
This new frigate weighs around 6,000 tonnes, making it nearly 2,000 tonnes heavier than the Type A054. It boasts a 100mm main gun, a vertical launching missile system, and the HQ-16FE surface-to-air missile system.
The Type B054 is expected to be capable of high-speed, long-range operations. This will increase its utility for anti-submarine warfare and aircraft carrier escort missions as China pushes to extend its naval reach.
