China Boosts Naval Missile Capacity, Closing Gap With U.S.

China is significantly upgrading its naval firepower, with its newest 054B class frigates boasting enhanced missile capabilities. The third vessel of this class, currently under construction, features six missile cell modules in its vertical launch system, an increase from the four found on its predecessors. Each module can hold six to eight missiles, potentially giving the new frigate around 48 missile cells.

The 054B frigate represents the most advanced design in the People's Liberation Army Navy, surpassing the widely deployed 054A class in size and performance. This expansion comes as China aims to close the gap with the United States in naval combat strength. Despite possessing a larger number of warships, China lags behind the U.S. in terms of the combat power of its vessels.

Estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) at the end of 2024 indicated that U.S. surface ships possess approximately 8,400 missile cells, nearly double the number on Chinese surface vessels. Beijing is also accelerating its submarine construction, with satellite images showing the launch of two new submarine types this year. Since 2020, China has been expanding its missile production facilities, aiming to deter potential U.S. military actions and assert regional dominance.

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China appears to be expanding its missile storage and launch capacity aboard its most modern frigate, amid efforts by the world's largest military fleet to close the firepower gap with the United States.