KUALA LUMPUR: A Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has successfully undergone water testing with another planned for it early next year, reveals the Defence Minister.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the LCS2, which was 86.61% completed, had been tested on water and was undergoing setting-to-work procedures.
“The LCS3, which is 76.60% complete, is in its final preparation for water trials planned for January 2026,” he said in his ministerial address at Wisma Perwira here yesterday.
Khaled said LCS1, which was 96.52% completed, has commenced the Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Test (SAT), adding that the LCS4 and LCS5 were 65.05% and 48.72% ready.
“As for the construction of the Second Batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), work progress for all three ships is expected to reach 13.8% overall by June this year,” he said.
The LCS is a class of stealth frigates being built for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
On the ongoing acquisition of the Fighter Lead-In Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA) FA-50M, Khaled said that two planes were expected to be received by October.
Man of the hour: Khaled (centre) shaking hands with Mohammad. Looking on is Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan (left) during Khaled’s ministerial address at Wisma Perwira in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Mindef had signed a contract to procure 18 of the aircraft worth approximately RM4bil in 2023.
Khaled said the ministry was also in the process of acquiring MPAs (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) for maritime surveillance operations, with these assets expected to be received in June and September next year.
As for the ministry’s main focus this year, he said a key area of interest was to create a competitive local defence industry.
“The main target this year is to complete the Nation Defence Industry Framework and launch it during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima25) in May.
“Seeing that the industry must be understood and accepted by the public and industry players, the framework must be open and comprehensive,” he said, adding that public consultations will be conducted as well.
Khaled said other matters this year would include negotiations for the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Our negotiations must be serious, long-term minded and encompass the main and critical elements of defence,” he added.
Also present were Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Mindef secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.
