054/A FFG Thread II
- Thread starter tphuang
- Start date
Given what we've seen around Ren'ai Shoal in the past weeks and months and what's about to go down there very soon - I believe that's one additional key reason for China to procure even more 054AGs for the PLAN.
Given the increasing bellicosity from the Philippines and growing instability in the SCS, coupled with the vast expanse of the waters in and around the 1IC that has the potential to spark for China - It does become evident that relying solely on the 056A FFLs is no longer deemed sufficient. Larger warships would be needed to complement and support the 056As, and the 054A/AG FFGs fit the needs very well.
By now, China needs both the scale AND size to safeguard her maritime interests and integrity.
Of course, that's also why China keeps ordering more 054A-mod cutters for the CCG. The hull is just very versatile and effective for its size, operational requirement and price tag.
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The Google Earth satellite imagery of Jiangnan and Hudong-Zhonghua has been updated to 8 May 2024.
At present, there are two lengthened 054AGs for the PLAN and one 054A-mod for the CCG under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua.
The differences noted:
Posted by on Twitter.
Overall length:
Length of helicopter landing pad + distance between propulsion segment opening and stern end:
At present, there are two lengthened 054AGs for the PLAN and one 054A-mod for the CCG under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua.
The differences noted:
Lengthened 054AG (PLAN) | 054A-mod (CCG) | |
| Overall ship length | 135.7 - 136 m | 134 m |
| Length of helicopter landing pad | 24 m | 24 m |
| Distance between propulsion system opening to the stern end | 46.5 m | 45 m |
| Length of chimney base | 21 m | 24.4 m |
Posted by on Twitter.
Overall length:
Length of helicopter landing pad + distance between propulsion segment opening and stern end:
Continued.
Length of chimney base:
Length of chimney base:
A visit to the archives - A 054AG under construction at Huangpu-Wenchong. Posted by @海洋装备与公务船资讯 on Weibo.
Quote posting @海洋装备与公务船资讯's post of the above photo, @水雷屋 on Weibo mentioned that the newest (5th) batch of 054AG FFGs currently under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua and Huangu-Wenchong are having non-insignificant capability step-ups from the previous batches of 054A/AGs, including (but potentially not limited to):
1. Rapid-rotating radar set (likely Type 368);
2. New 100mm naval gun (yes, please do get used to the mantou-shaped turrets); and
3. (Already known) extended helicopter landing pad for Z-20 operations.
Meanwhile, according to @燃烧的哈尔科夫 quote-posting @水雷屋's quote post on Weibo, there could be a separate new FFG class (054C) meant to succeed the 054B-class in the future. In this regard, the 054Cs could become analogues to the 054A/AGs (i.e. serial-production variant), similarly to how the 054B twins could become analogues to the 054 twins (i.e. one-off technological verification platforms).
Quote posting @海洋装备与公务船资讯's post of the above photo, @水雷屋 on Weibo mentioned that the newest (5th) batch of 054AG FFGs currently under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua and Huangu-Wenchong are having non-insignificant capability step-ups from the previous batches of 054A/AGs, including (but potentially not limited to):
1. Rapid-rotating radar set (likely Type 368);
2. New 100mm naval gun (yes, please do get used to the mantou-shaped turrets); and
3. (Already known) extended helicopter landing pad for Z-20 operations.
Meanwhile, according to @燃烧的哈尔科夫 quote-posting @水雷屋's quote post on Weibo, there could be a separate new FFG class (054C) meant to succeed the 054B-class in the future. In this regard, the 054Cs could become analogues to the 054A/AGs (i.e. serial-production variant), similarly to how the 054B twins could become analogues to the 054 twins (i.e. one-off technological verification platforms).
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Less and less of a difference to the 054B now lol.
Might've missed this, but have there been rumours/indications from anywhere (else) supporting that 054B would be a two-off class? Or when the 054C might be seen, etc? And does the PLA really still need to take the whole rapid-iteration approach of the 2000s? After all some more recent classes have been built in large batches from the outset.
So is the under construction total verified number of Type 054A including in service is still 42? Or are these new?
I would be happy if that were the case lol
Always felt the 054B was really meh and not significant enough of a step up
None, apart from the observation of only two 054Bs having been built so far. So it remains to be seen how the overall development of PLAN FFGs will go for the years to come.
Nope.
And, I should make it clear that apart from some previous mentions by several PLA watchers on the Chinese side (@水雷屋 in particular did mention of the possibility of a serial-produced 054C-class FFG after the 054Bs in one of his videos on Bilibili when discussing about the news of China planning to build 20 more 054AGs and 054-mods for the PLAN and CCG) - There have been neither indications nor hints from official sources that agree to such claims or suggestions so far. So, I'd caution to better treat such claims as "suggestions by reputable PLA watchers/bloggers in China" instead of "official/semi-official rumors/leaks" until more can be known about what eventually comes after the 054B FFGs.
Total confirmed number of 054A/AGs in service and under construction as of now is still 42, yes - With a possible 8 or more 054AGs to follow.
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