054B/new generation frigate

Tam

Brigadier
Registered Member
That's assuming 054A series will stop as soon as 054B construction will start.
The known leak was that this isn't the case, and they'll continue producing them for several years.

The problem is that I don't think --- and doesn't make sense --- that two production lines could exist simultaneously with only two shipyards authorized to make them. These shipyards also have to make other ships.
 

Kich

Junior Member
Registered Member
Given that Hudong Zhonghua is the lead shipyard for the Type 054A, chances are it will be the lead shipyard for the 054B. If there are any Type 054A modules still left with HDZ as the steel for the 054B has begun cutting, these will still be finished until all the modules are consumed. But at this point, they would have stopped building new 054A modules.

Guandong Huangpu will take a bit more time before its validation to build 054B.

I believe both shipyards have kits for four frigates --- two 054A/P and two 054A for HDZ and four 054A for GH. I expect one more Type 054A to come out from HDZ along with the final 054A/P, and three more 054A from GH, aside from those already launched. This before we begin to see any physical signs of 054B in the docks. I guess next year.

I also expect the sale of the HDZ facilities at the Huangpu River to be indefinitely postponed for this project. Future 075/076 will have to be made in the Changxing facility.

So PLAN are not building 20 more 054A.

Never understood that rumor. It seemed illogical that PLAN would build so many 054A and be stuck with so many inferior vessels down the line. Meanwhile they knew what other navies were building for their FFGs.
 

sndef888

Captain
Registered Member
So how many more 054A will there be? Couldn't really catch what Tam said

Anyway, it's good news to me. Getting a bit of OCD knowing the 054A doesn't have HQ-10
 

banjex

Junior Member
Registered Member
So how many more 054A will there be? Couldn't really catch what Tam said

Anyway, it's good news to me. Getting a bit of OCD knowing the 054A doesn't have HQ-10
Modules for 6 ships and Tam expects at least 4 to be launched if I'm reading his post correctly.
 

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
So PLAN are not building 20 more 054A.

Never understood that rumor. It seemed illogical that PLAN would build so many 054A and be stuck with so many hulls that would potentially be outdated/outclass down the line. Meanwhile they knew what other navies were building for their FFGs.
PLAN is typically quite careful with new mass-produced products.
No one Daring-class debacle to happen during naval buildup.
 

blindsight

Junior Member
Registered Member
So PLAN are not building 20 more 054A.

Never understood that rumor. It seemed illogical that PLAN would build so many 054A and be stuck with so many inferior vessels down the line. Meanwhile they knew what other navies were building for their FFGs.
It may still be true. PLAN will put 054B into mass production only if the first batch (2-4?) proves to be reliable. By then they should have already finished the new batch of 054As. Don't forget, they still have one 053H1 and two 053H1Gs in service. The two 052s may retire during the next 5 years, which could also be replaced by 054A. The oldest two 053H3s (521 & 524) were supposed to be sold before the pandemic. They could go anytime as long as there's a buyer. So, 20 might not be as many as it sounds.
 

Andy1974

Senior Member
Registered Member
The PLAN was aware of the Type 054B progress when deciding to produce an additional 20 Type 054A. people are sounding as if this is a surprise to them and they need to change recently announced plans.

It makes perfect sense to continue 054A production, it matches their conservative doctrine and solid leaks indicate this clearly. there is no reason to think otherwise.

The only thing left to figure out is where, exactly, the 054Bs will be built, but both shipyards could presumably be capable of 2 frigate lines in the next few years if that is the plan.
 

Gloire_bb

Captain
Registered Member
+it's worth noting, that at known tempo 20 frigates fill very well within the possible timeframe of building, testing, evaluation, and application of learned lessons to a new design.
Putting things bluntly, 20 054A don't take all that long, and 4 years is actually quite ambitious to verify a new propulsion plant.

Finally... two main potential adversaries of PLAN are now building(JMSDF, Mogami class) or initiating (USN, Constellation class) new series of frigates - big series of frigates with correspondingly big impact. Time isn't ripe for a surface combatant 3d printer to sleep.
 
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