China launches frigate for Bangladesh navy

WUHAN - A new-type of frigate built for the Bangladesh Navy was launched in the riverside city of Wuhan in central China's Hubei province on Tuesday.

The frigate, with a displacement of 1,300 tons and maximum speed of 25 knots, is 90 meters long and 11 meters across the beam. It can accommodate 80 crew.

It will be the most advanced frigate in the Bangladesh Navy, which will be a boost to its coastal defense capability and the China-Bangladesh friendship, said Rear Admiral Syed Abu Mansur Arshadul Abedin, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff at the launching ceremony.

The frigate can detect, identify and destroy surface and aerial targets and can also carry out maritime monitoring and patrols, and search and rescue missions, said Cai Libin, deputy general manager of the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co. Ltd, the builder of the frigate.

It is equipped with 76 mm and 30 mm naval guns as well as ship-to-ship and ship-to-air missiles.

Bangladesh has bought two frigates from China. The first was launched in November.