KUALA LUMPUR: The lead ship of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, KD Maharaja Lela, is expected to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy this December.
Deputy Navy commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Badarudin Taha said the overall construction of the five Maharaja Lela-class LCS frigates at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LNS) has reached 76.88% completion.
He said the delivery of the vessel is a key component of the Navy's asset modernisation and fleet rationalisation efforts to ensure maritime readiness remains at the highest level.
"In addition to the Maharaja Lela, which is scheduled for delivery this December, LCS 2 (Raja Muda Nala) and LCS 3 (Sharif Mashor) are expected to be received in April and December 2027, respectively," he said.
Badarudin said this in a message marking the 92nd Navy Day at KD Sri Gombak, KD Pelandok, Lumut Naval Base, Perak, which was broadcast via the navy's official YouTube channel Monday (April 27).
Previously, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was reported as saying that LCS 1 commenced its first sea trials on Jan 28 to test its machinery, power generation, air conditioning, and propulsion systems.
Meanwhile, Badarudin said the Navy is currently developing a networked fleet that is balanced and capable of executing missions across various spectrums, from maritime security operations to warfare.
He added that, besides the LCS project, the construction of three Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships (LMSB 2) at Istanbul Shipyard in Türkiye has reached 47.9% so far.
"The three LMSB 2 vessels, which began construction on Dec 4, 2024, are expected to be handed over in stages from October to December 2027, whereas the naming and launching ceremonies are scheduled for May, June, and August this year," he said.
Badarudin added that the development of the two Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) projects is ongoing as part of the navy's long-term capability enhancement.
"This modernisation is not merely about adding assets. It is about strengthening our combat capability and the readiness of the fleet in facing contemporary maritime security challenges," he said.
At the same time, he said the RMN is actively training future crew members and base maintainers, both locally and abroad, in preparation for the commissioning of the LCS and LMSB 2 vessels.
Badarudin said the selection process is being carried out meticulously to ensure personnel meet the required criteria.
He urged Navy personnel to seize opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills to be selected as the pioneer crew for the navy's newest assets. - Bernama
