Recently, mainland Chinese military enthusiasts discovered that the Hudong Shipyard appears to be making final preparations for the launch of its first Type 054B frigate. On August 26, Shanghai’s Hudong Shipyard issued a no-sail notice, indirectly confirming this news. It is anticipated that once the Type 054B ships are commissioned in larger numbers, they will gradually replace the active Type 054A class frigates and become the main surface combat force, including serving in aircraft carrier groups. Based on the current progress, the ship may formally join the Chinese Navy next year.
Available online images reveal that the new Type 054B frigate’s dock has been flooded and the vessel’s exterior has been painted according to naval specifications. The Type 054B frigate is equipped with a 100mm single-barrel naval gun and uses all-electric propulsion, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots. It is designed for better ocean-going capabilities and can efficiently operate with aircraft carrier groups.
There are views suggesting that the Type 054B might have a length of 147 meters and a width nearing 18 meters. Its hangar and deck will be larger, indicating its capability to accommodate bigger, more advanced 10-ton helicopters like the Z-20. The displacement of the Type 054B might also exceed 6,000 tons, about 2,000 tons heavier than the Type 054A. Additionally, the Type 054B has replaced the copied 366 radar and the 382 air and surface search radar found on the Type 054A with an S-band dual-faced phased array radar, colloquially referred to as the “mini shield”. This change enhances stealth capabilities, improves situational awareness, and reduces dependency on targeting with the 382 radar.
An article from the Chinese military media outlet “First Military Affairs” mentioned that while the U.S. Constellation-class frigate was expected to begin steel cutting in August, the Chinese Type 054B’s launch has notably outpaced the U.S. The development history of US frigates has been long-standing, yet it has stagnated over the past few decades. The U.S. Constellation-class frigate is adopting the European FREMM design and is expected to be produced at a faster pace. However, when comparing displacement, vertical launching systems, and radar systems, the U.S. no longer holds an advantage.
The article believes that as the Type 054B frigates are commissioned in greater numbers, they will join the ranks of blue-water navies. They could participate in carrier group operations or operate independently. In terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility, the Type 054B is expected to offer significant value.