054B/new generation frigate

para80 said:

FWIW here's another image of the first Hudong 054B under construction back in the day. I could be wrong, but I recall certain confusion then too about the VLS being seemingly too far forward. Maybe its just a misleading visual. Same on the various openings, which would depend on the state of assembly. Wait and see I suppose.

View attachment 168495

Click to expand...

Thanks for this image. Quite weird, it's very different looking from that other early 054B batch image and much more in line with this new batch image. (it is as if two different ships have been photographed. Yet it's obviously only a matter of different stage of construction with much of the temporary openings being in different places...) So much so that it's possible no significant changes were implemented.

Predictions on batch numbers and time frame for when it will be operational? Usually new batches will undergo stringent training before earning operational status.