Several months after rumors that China might be developed a “bigger,” “badder” version of its 054A frigate, China has now confirmed that 054B guided-missile frigate is currently under development. As confirmed by Chinese defense officials, the first 054B frigate may even be very close to completion.
054B now confirmed
Allegedly designed to support China’s growing aircraft carrier fleet, Chinese officials announced the news on Chinese social media, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports. On Thursday (30th August 2023), Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian said it was “a normal arrangement based on the needs of national security and the overall development of naval construction, [to defend] national sovereignty, security and development interests and better-safeguarding world and regional peace and stability.”