Type 054B

The 6,000-ton class Type 054B or Jiangkai-III multi-purpose frigates are a further derivate of the Type 54 class vessels with enhanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and an all-electric propulsion system developing 20 MW. China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) is responsible for the construction of the lead ship. The larger Type 054B frigate integrates both flight deck and hangar for a single Z-9C or Ka-28 ASW helicopter. Her vertical launch system (VLS) will accept HHQ-16C/D surface-to-air missiles, CY-3 anti-submarine missiles and YJ-85 supersonic long-range land attack/anti-ship missiles. Due to its larger hull the Type 054B may be fitted with more than 32 VLS cells. The ship will be fitted with an eight-cell FL-3000N close range air defense system similar to the US Navy's RAM anti-missile system. The weapon system also includes a 76mm PJ26 dual purpose gun, Type 81 anti-submarine rocket launcher and two triple 324mm torpedo tubes. The Type 054B existence was revealed in 2013 with the lead ship to be commissioned by the PLAN in 2016 or 2017. As of early 2021 the PLAN seems to be calling for 20 ships to be commissioned in the 2022-2035 timeframe. The Type 054B will leverage some technologies from Type 055 destroyer focusing on enhanced air defense capabilities and launching of land attack cruise missiles.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a001840