Type 054-class (Jiangkai I)

The Type 054 (NATO reporting name Jiangkai I) is a class of multi-role frigates operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy. Developed to succeed the Type 053H3 class, construction occurred between 1999 and 2005 at the Hudong-Zhonghua and Huangpu shipyards. The People's Liberation Army Navy commissioned two vessels, Ma'anshan (525) and Wenzhou (526), before production shifted to the successor Type 054A design.

The hull design incorporates sloped surfaces and radar-absorbent materials to minimize radar signature. The configuration of the class resembles the French La Fayette-class frigates. Propulsion is provided by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) arrangement using license-built SEMT Pielstick engines. The electronics and combat systems are largely based on French designs exported or licensed to China, including the ZKJ-4B/6 combat data system and the Type 363S search radar. For air defense, the class originally utilized the HQ-7 system, which was later replaced by the HQ-10 launcher during modernization refits. The vessels are equipped with a hangar and flight deck to accommodate a single Kamov Ka-28 or Harbin Z-9C helicopter.

Both units of the class entered active service in 2005. In February 2011, Ma'anshan and Wenzhou departed from Zhoushan to participate in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Designated as Task Force 526, the ships conducted the eighth Chinese naval escort mission off the Somali coast. This deployment included a port call at Karachi and coordination with the replenishment ship Qiandaohu. Both frigates remain in active service with the Surface Force.