Frigate
Type 054A frigate
The Type 054A is a Chinese multi-role guided-missile frigate (NATO Jiangkai II) built by Hudong-Zhonghua and Huangpu for the PLA Navy, in service since 2008. About 30 serve with China and four were exported to Pakistan, making it the PLAN’s most numerous modern surface combatant.
China|Hudong-Zhonghua / Huangpu Shipbuilding (CSSC)What Is the Type 054A frigate? Overview, History and Development
The lead ship Xuzhou (530) was launched in 2006 and commissioned in January 2008. Production ran to 2021 at the Hudong-Zhonghua, Huangpu, Jiangnan and Dalian yards. Full-load displacement is about 4,053 t, length about 134 m and beam about 16 m. Four SEMT Pielstick 16 PA6 diesels give about 28,000 hp and a speed of about 27 knots, with a range of about 4,000 nm at 15 knots. Crew is about 165.
Armament includes a 32-cell VLS for HHQ-16 missiles (range 40–50 km), eight YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, a 76 mm gun and two Type 730 CIWS. Pakistan bought four as the Type 054A/P Tughril class between 2021 and 2023, reportedly with HQ-16FE and CM-302 missiles. The larger Type 054B began sea trials around 2023–24. Estimated unit cost is US$300–350 million. Comparisons include Gowind, FDI and TCG Istanbul, and the Type 052D sits in a higher class.
Type 054A frigate Specifications: Displacement, Speed, Armament and Crew
Type 054A frigate Variants and Versions Compared
Type 054A is the standard PLA Navy version with about 30 ships built through 2021.
Type 054A/P (Tughril class) is the export version delivered to Pakistan between 2021 and 2023.
Type 054B is the larger, roughly 5,000 t successor that began sea trials around 2023–24.
Which Countries Use the Type 054A frigate? Operators and Users
China
PakistanType 054A frigate FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How many Type 054A frigates does China have?
China has about 30 Type 054A frigates in the PLA Navy, with the last ship commissioned in 2021. Four more were exported to Pakistan, bringing production to about 34 ships.
How much does a Type 054A frigate cost?
A Type 054A frigate costs an estimated US$300–350 million per ship. That figure is hedged, since China does not publish prices for its warships.
Is the Type 054A frigate stealth?
The Type 054A has a shaped hull and reduced radar signature, but it is not a true stealth ship. It is a conventional multi-role frigate whose design limits some radar reflections.
Which countries use the Type 054A?
The Type 054A is used by China and Pakistan. Pakistan bought four as the Type 054A/P Tughril class, named Tughril, Taimur, Tabuk and Tarmuk, delivered between 2021 and 2023.
Type 054A vs TCG Istanbul: which is better?
The Type 054A and TCG Istanbul are both frigates of about 4,000 t. TCG Istanbul carries ATMACA and HİSAR/ESSM missiles, while the Type 054A has HHQ-16 and YJ-83 missiles and a longer production run.
What weapons does the Type 054A carry?
The Type 054A carries a 32-cell VLS for HHQ-16 air-defence missiles, eight YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, a 76 mm gun and two Type 730 CIWS. It also has torpedoes and one Z-9 or Z-20 helicopter.