KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) is set to strengthen its combat capabilities with the acquisition of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles for its littoral mission ship (LMS) Batch 2 fleet, expected to be delivered next year.
A total of 24 surface-to-surface missiles (SSM) from Turkiye, valued at RM369.3mil, will be procured for the vessels.
In addition, 48 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) from South Korea, worth RM372.69mil, will also be supplied for the same class of ships.
The navy is also expected to receive 29 more SAM systems valued at RM504.5mil from European defence company MBDA, following the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) between the Defence Ministry and the French firm.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the missile acquisitions form part of 12 just-signed procurement contracts worth RM1.13bil.
He said the contracts were among 24 instruments valued at RM3.54bil to enhance the nation’s defence readiness amid evolving security challenges.
The agreements also included four LOIs worth more than RM1bil and eight industrial collaboration programme (ICP) offer letters estimated at RM1.4bil.
“Many of the procurements involve missiles and ammunition for the LMS and littoral combat ships currently under construction.
“This is to ensure our vessels have sufficient combat capability, especially in addressing challenges in the South China Sea and safeguarding our waters,” he told reporters.
He also said the Defence Ministry would no longer announce letters of acceptance after issuing LOIs to avoid confusion and public perception of duplicate project announcements.
On the ICP, Mohamed Khaled said the eight offer letters were awarded to eligible companies on condition that they implement knowledge transfer initiatives to strengthen local participation in the defence industry.
The programme aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy, aimed at developing local capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technology through closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, he said.
