China commissions new 3900-ton Type 054A frigate with multi mission capability

China’s PLA Navy has commissioned a new Type 054A guided missile frigate, the latest addition to a warship class that has remained in production for years. State media released footage on Saturday showing the frigate Ningde during training exercises. Experts highlight the move reflects China’s continued use of the Type 054A as a cost-effective naval platform that has received upgrades over time. Recently, reports suggested that China is exploring autonomous underwater drones to defend contested South China Sea islands. China expands frigate fleet China has commissioned a new Type 054A guided missile frigate, adding another warship to one of the Chinese Navy’s largest and most widely used classes of medium-sized combat vessels. The new frigate, named Ningde, has been assigned to a naval unit under the PLA Eastern Theater Command and has already taken part in combat-oriented training exercises. The commissioning comes as China continues to build and upgrade the Type 054A despite having developed a newer Type 054B frigate. The approach allows the Chinese Navy to expand its fleet quickly while continuing to use a ship design that is already established, relatively inexpensive, and easier to produce and maintain, reports the Global Times (GT). During recent exercises, the new Ningde operated as part of a task group with several other warships. The drills included detecting and responding to simulated threats from the air and sea, with radar systems tracking targets and the ship’s weapons being prepared for action. The frigate also carried out replenishment exercises at sea, helicopter take-off and landing drills and damage-control training designed to prepare its crew for emergencies during combat. The Type 054A is designed as a multi-purpose warship that can perform several roles, including coastal defence, patrols, escort missions and anti-submarine operations. It is fitted with radar and sonar systems that allow it to detect threats above and below the water. With a reported range of about 4,000 nautical miles, the frigate can also operate for extended periods away from China’s coastline. Boosts naval fleet The addition of the new Ningde brings the number of Type 054A frigates in the Chinese Navy to 46, according to Chinese state media. The large fleet reflects the importance of the design to China’s naval expansion. China has also introduced upgrades to the Type 054A. A newer version unveiled in 2026 has a longer flight deck designed to better accommodate newer naval helicopters, improving its ability to support anti-submarine missions. Its main gun has also been upgraded, while its radar capabilities have been improved. At the same time, China is introducing the larger and more advanced Type 054B as the successor to the Type 054A. The Type 054B is designed for longer-range operations and uses newer systems, including a different propulsion system, a more streamlined design intended to reduce its radar signature, an integrated mast and an advanced missile-launch system, reports GT. The two frigate classes therefore serve different purposes. The newer Type 054B is intended for more demanding long-range missions, while the Type 054A remains useful for coastal and offshore operations, patrols, anti-submarine warfare and escort duties. According to experts, continuing to build the Type 054A allows China to add ships quickly without waiting for the newer class to replace older vessels. Its established design, existing production facilities and relatively low operating costs make it a practical way for the Navy to maintain a large number of combat-ready ships while gradually introducing more advanced warships.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.