Chinese Frigate Type 054 Country: China Type: Frigate Service: 2005 - 2008 Ships in class: 6

In late 2002 China began construction of a new frigate class, the Type 054 (NATO codename Jiagkai I). The Type 054 is successor to the Jiangwei and Jianghu class frigates of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It has been compared to the French La Fayette class frigate. The 3,400 ton (estimated) Type 054 incorporates some stealth features: sloped hull design; radar absorbent materials; and reduction of surface equipment and features. The main weapon is two four-cell launchers with the YJ-83 sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missile. The Type 054 class frigates also have surface-to-air missiles. There is a helicopter flight deck at the stern. It also has a 100 mm main gun and four AK-630 CIWS turrets. A total of six Type 054 frigates were commissioned and are in service with China.