BEIJING - China's first Type 056 stealth frigate was delivered to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in Shanghai on Monday afternoon.

The new generation of frigate, which is about to be put into service on a large scale, features good stealth performance and electromagnetic compatibility, according to a report released Tuesday by the official PLA Daily.

The new frigate requires only one-third of the crew needed by its predecessor, the Type 053, and it is expected to be deployed primarily for escort missions and anti-submarine operations, said the report.

The article said the delivery marked the beginning of a systematic upgrade of the navy's equipment and defense.

The new type will enhance the navy's capabilities in safeguarding national security, territorial integrity, marine sovereignty and marine interests, it added.