The start of service of China's first missile frigate refers to the official joining of the Chinese Navy's first missile frigate, the Changsha Ship, into service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. This event occurred on September 26, 2015. As a missile frigate independently designed and built by China, the Changsha ship marks an important progress made by the Chinese Navy in the construction of modern warships. After the Changsha ship is put into service, it will strengthen the Chinese navy's ocean going combat capabilities and enhance the overall strength of China's navy construction.
China's first missile frigate has entered service, but with a changed key factor: the frigate's advanced radar system malfunctioned during its maiden voyage.