Satellite images show 50% boost to China’s Type 054B missile capacity

China appears to be adding capacity to the vertical launch system (VLS) of its most advanced guided-missile frigate Type 054B under construction in Shanghai, satellite images show, allowing it to have a larger missile reserve and stronger anti-air defence capabilities.

According to satellite images taken by US intelligence company Vantor on June 28, the VLS at the bow of a Type 054B vessel had a different shape compared to the first two Type 054B vessels that have already entered service.

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The previous version of the vessels had four eight-cell units, totalling 32 launching cells. However, the June 28 image showed a six-unit structure of what might be the same eight-cell system, allowing the new Type 054B vessel – which is still being outfitted at the Hudong Zhonghua shipyard – to carry 48 VLS cells.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military commentator and former People’s Liberation Army instructor, said the vessel was possibly being fitted with a 48-cell VLS, as the Type 054B required stronger anti-saturation attack capabilities and enhanced regional air-defence capability.

“The previous 32 cells carry a limited range of missile types, which will affect its actual combat effectiveness,” he said.

“Increasing the cell count would directly boost its anti-saturation defence and overall combat capability. So an upgrade like this is entirely plausible.”