China's first Type 054B frigate commissioned

[MH.Yang]

because the chinese dint have a compact enough vls theyre huge

China's 6,000-ton 052D has 64 VLS. it's supposed to be the world's most compact destroyer.

the 5,000-ton 054B is equipped with only 32 VLS not because China doesn't have a compact VLS, but because of cost control. the 054B is not the main ship after all.

 

[FuturePAF]

1, according to a Chinese military forum. The two newly launched 054Bs use four 16PA6V-280STC diesels, which means it doesn't possess any more advantages than the French FDI and British Type 31. Therefore, the configuration of the 054B frigate is not recognized by the Chinese Navy at this stage and is not a standard model. It is expected that in about three to five years, the Type 057 frigate will be in service, with a larger tonnage, two electric propulsion systems, and a new model of diesel engine.

2 The 5,000-ton Type 054B will be a frigate, and the 6,000-ton Type 052D will be a destroyer.

It does seem the limit without the improvement in propulsion. Any indication they are considering a CODLAG (plus IEP?) for the Type 057? one QC-280 (or the even more powerful next gen gas turbine; one single “CGT-40” engine can generate 42 MW) plus 2 next generation Diesel engines Weichai equivalent of the MAN 9000 KW diesels, in a similar configuration to the Indian P-17A? With 60 MW of total power, it will be the most capable Frigate with 10Kw/ton, twice as much as the constellation.

Having the ability to sprint with the gas turbine engine will improve the ships ASW Capabilities, especially as many new powers seek SSNs.

Btw, frigates can be larger tonnages, but they are seen as more economical designs. Fast for ASW but not over powered with excessive armament.

Perhaps a 48 large UVLS Type 057 in the 6000 ton range is not an unreasonable expectation. (A slightly stretched version hosting a total of 64 VLS might be an attractive economical AAW Frigate option for nations like Pakistan) Wouldn’t you agree? The UVLS could carry next generation, longer range rocket assisted torpedos, guided by sensors such as the Chinese equivalent of Captas 4 (which has a max 150 km detection range). It would be interesting to see if China could make a 100+km range rocket assisted heavy weight torpedo fit in a UVLS cell.

Capable enough, and large enough to house enough fuel to keep up with carrier battle group task forces for long range patrols or with surface warship task forces patrolling the SLOCs.

Something similar to this fan made CGI design:

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First Type 054B Next Gen Frigate Commissioned By Chinese Navy

The Chinese Navy today commissioned the first Type 054B new generation frigate in Qingdao. The second ship will likely follow soon.

www.navalnews.com

 

[MH.Yang]

It does seem the limit without the improvement in propulsion. Any indication they are considering a CODLAG (plus IEP?) for the Type 057? one QC-280 (or the even more powerful next gen gas turbine; one single “CGT-40” engine can generate 42 MW) plus 2 next generation Diesel engines Weichai equivalent of the MAN 9000 KW diesels, in a similar configuration to the Indian P-17A? With 60 MW of total power, it will be the most capable Frigate with 10Kw/ton, twice as much as the constellation.

Having the ability to sprint with the gas turbine engine will improve the ships ASW Capabilities, especially as many new powers seek SSNs.

Btw, frigates can be larger tonnages, but they are seen as more economical designs. Fast for ASW but not over powered with excessive armament.

Perhaps a 48 large UVLS Type 057 in the 6000 ton range is not an unreasonable expectation. (A slightly stretched version hosting a total of 64 VLS might be an attractive economical AAW Frigate option for nations like Pakistan) Wouldn’t you agree? The UVLS could carry next generation, longer range rocket assisted torpedos, guided by sensors such as the Chinese equivalent of Captas 4 (which has a max 150 km detection range). It would be interesting to see if China could make a 100+km range rocket assisted heavy weight torpedo fit in a UVLS cell.

Capable enough, and large enough to house enough fuel to keep up with carrier battle group task forces for long range patrols or with surface warship task forces patrolling the SLOCs.

Something similar to this fan made CGI design:

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First Type 054B Next Gen Frigate Commissioned By Chinese Navy

The Chinese Navy today commissioned the first Type 054B new generation frigate in Qingdao. The second ship will likely follow soon.

www.navalnews.com

Not much is known about type057.

Overall, the 054B disappoints us. the 054B doesn't use electric propulsion, which results in a speed cap of only 30 knots. It is really just a normal upgrade version of 054A.

What disappoints us most is that the 054B can't use the YJ26, which means it can't contribute to a carrier battle group.

This second tier warship doesn't really have much strategic value.

 

[PakAl]

Not much is known about type057.

Overall, the 054B disappoints us. the 054B doesn't use electric propulsion, which results in a speed cap of only 30 knots. It is really just a normal upgrade version of 054A.

What disappoints us most is that the 054B can't use the YJ26, which means it can't contribute to a carrier battle group.

This second tier warship doesn't really have much strategic value.

China is building 054A and 054B frigates to patrol close to China and Type 52 and type 55 destroyers for carriers. Its a good combination.

 

[FuturePAF]

Not much is known about type057.

Overall, the 054B disappoints us. the 054B doesn't use electric propulsion, which results in a speed cap of only 30 knots. It is really just a normal upgrade version of 054A.

What disappoints us most is that the 054B can't use the YJ26, which means it can't contribute to a carrier battle group.

This second tier warship doesn't really have much strategic value.

The Type 054B could be used as a test platform to see what upgrades can be applied when it is time to do a midlife upgrade on the Type 054A and Type 054AG as well as the Type 054AP.

Bringing the power use down on the Main Radar the and smaller X-Band radar would be one thing to look at.

Also testing how quiet the ship is for practice counter-ASW training for new submarine crews.

This class and the previous class will probably be seen as home waters defense platforms, along with the earlier destroyer classes and the Type 057 and 55 will be more far waters ships.

It looks like most have accepted this was an evolutionary design, a hedge against future tech, which I suspect is the new 42 MW gas turbine engine.

If the Type 057 goes for a 7000 ton design, (which would be large enough to hold two helos and multiple drones) and features a single 42 MW gas turbine and 4 x 9 MW diesel engines, it can have the same power to weight ratio as a Type 055, allowing it to keep up or even sprint ahead to clear the path of hostile subs. But the cost would be a lot more economical. This much power would also leave room for electronic warfare upgrades and laser defenses, and possibly 64 UVLS, making it a prime ship for the long term needs of the PLAN and for the export market.

What is the YJ26? If it is a radar, that should be left to an upgrade on the Type 055, and let the Type 057 focus on ASW and all picket/outer guard operations.

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[FuturePAF]

China is building 054A and 054B frigates to patrol close to China and Type 52 and type 55 destroyers for carriers. It’s a good combination.

Even the Type 052DL may not be enough for carrier escorts, IMHO. They need the power to weight ratio to be able to sprint, and be as quiet as possible to hunt subs. A new Type 057 will be necessary to have an optimized design for ASW, while the Type 055 can be optimized for air defense. A new generation logistics ship will probably also be necessary to keep pace and haul a lot more supplies without having to go to ports that often.

 

[MH.Yang]

China is building 054A and 054B frigates to patrol close to China and Type 52 and type 55 destroyers for carriers. Its a good combination.

You probably don't quite understand what Chinese military fans are expecting.

We want to see a frigate capable of completely suppressing and hunting Seawolf-class nuclear submarines. That means it needs to have a speed of 35+ knots and very low noise. It would need an electric propulsion system.

If it can't be done. Then the new frigate should at least be able to join a carrier battle group and contribute to the main fleet. Then it needs to be able to use the YJ26 which has a range of 5000km. but the 054B can't do that either.

So, the 054B can only end up being as useful as the 054A. Escorting merchant ships, delivering supplies to soldiers stationed on islands, and so on. The commissioning of such a ship doesn't excite us too much.

 

[MH.Yang]

Even the Type 052DL may not be enough for carrier escorts, IMHO. They need the power to weight ratio to be able to sprint, and be as quiet as possible to hunt subs. A new Type 057 will be necessary to have an optimized design for ASW, while the Type 055 can be optimized for air defense. A new generation logistics ship will probably also be necessary to keep pace and haul a lot more supplies without having to go to ports that often.

The YJ-26 is an anti-ship missile used by type 055. It is the naval version of the DF-26, with a range of 5,000km.The YJ-26 adopts a composite guidance mode of inertial guidance, mid-range Beidou satellite navigation and command correction, and terminal infrared imaging guidance. It is also equipped with an advanced all-reflective optical system and a long-wave infrared imaging guide.

In China's carrier battle group, it is actually the carriers that escort the Type 055. The carriers and 052 provide air defense for the 055 and the TYPE 055 is responsible for launching all the YJ-26.

 

[FuturePAF]

The YJ-26 is an anti-ship missile used by type 055. It is the naval version of the DF-26, with a range of 5,000km.The YJ-26 adopts a composite guidance mode of inertial guidance, mid-range Beidou satellite navigation and command correction, and terminal infrared imaging guidance. It is also equipped with an advanced all-reflective optical system and a long-wave infrared imaging guide.

In China's carrier battle group, it is actually the carriers that escort the Type 055. The carriers and 052 provide air defense for the 055 and the TYPE 055 is responsible for launching all the YJ-26.

If the Type 057 has 64 of the 9 meter long UVLS, it could fit the YJ-26 missiles then, freeing up the Type 055A to do air defense. With 64 UVLS, the Type 057 found be a one to one replacement for the Type 052DL but more capable in ASW, and probably at a similar or just lower price; under $500 million.

 

[FHN]

 

[MH.Yang]

If the Type 057 has 64 of the 9 meter long UVLS, it could fit the YJ-26 missiles then, freeing up the Type 055A to do air defense. With 64 UVLS, the Type 057 found be a one to one replacement for the Type 052DL but more capable in ASW.

Yes. It would be great if the entire carrier formation could launch YJ-26.

 

[FuturePAF]

Yes. It would be great if the entire carrier formation could launch YJ-26.

Distributed lethality, especially with Collaborative engagement sensor sharing. Also of the ASW frigate could outpace any sub it is chasing, so it can drive them back. SLOC defense is clearing a path as well as carrying a big stick.

Btw, more of these frigates could be built then Type 055, so if VLS are empty or a ship is crippled to battle damage, it will be easier to surge a few more Type 057 Frigates to reinforce a carrier battle group or surface action task force.

Any indication the PLAN’s towed arrays match the Captas 4 with its 150 km range?

Finally, it will be interesting to see what the replenishment ships will look like for the Type 004 CVN battle groups, something fast enough to keep up with the carrier, Type 055, 057, and 095 SSN. It possible a nuclear powered replenishment ship maybe coming to the PLAN, considering the potential revival of nuclear cargo ships.

 

[huanghong]

yes, indeed, however, as h/ajk16 is designed around the hugeeee hq-16 missile, the cells needed to be big. just for example, camm-er is 160kg for 40km+, hq-16 500-600kg and thats before we talk diameter ad length

But in fact, the SM-6 and Tomahawk loaded on the MK41 are much larger in diameter, length and weight than the HQ-16. In fact, I don't quite understand what the size of the compact enough vls you are talking about is?

 

[Beijingwalker]

Type 054B frigates increase to 48 vertical launch cells while retaining their ASW mission​

ByFabrice Wolf
08/12/2026


The third and fourth Type 054B frigates of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy could receive 48 vertical launch cells, compared with 32 on the first 2 vessels. Such an increase generally suggests broader missions and greater firepower. Yet the weapons associated with these new cells would still consist of the same HHQ-16 surface-to-air missiles and Yu-8 rocket-assisted torpedoes. The modification would therefore primarily increase available reserves without turning these frigates of around 5,000 tonnes into long-range air-defence vessels.

Table of contents​

1. Type 054B: 48 cells in response to the evolving density of threats
2. More HHQ-16 and Yu-8 to preserve ASW warfare
3. Chinese shipbuilding gives the PLA the luxury of naval specialisation

Type 054B: 48 cells in response to the evolving density of threats​

Satellite imagery released in August 2026 would show the 16 additional cells on the 2 vessels, still undergoing operational preparation. This configuration therefore remains to be confirmed upon their entry into service. The first 2 Type 054Bs, the Luohe (545) and Qinzhou (555), have 32 cells fitted forward. Their vertical launch system, or VLS, can carry a combination of HHQ-16s intended for air defence and Yu-8s carrying a torpedo to the area where a submarine has been detected.

The increase to 48 cells is part of a trend already well under way among the leading navies. Frigates specialised in anti-submarine warfare, or ASW, previously carried 16 or 24 cells, whereas new classes frequently field 32 or 48, and sometimes 64. Air-defence destroyers designed during the 2010s and 2020s generally carried 48 to 64 cells. Several more recent programmes now exceed 72 cells, while some large vessels cross the threshold of 100 weapons ready for launch.

Type 054B frigates increase to 48 vertical launch cells while retaining their ASW mission

Future Type 054B frigates could carry 48 VLS cells to increase their HHQ-16 and Yu-8 reserves while retaining their ASW role.

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