KUALA LUMPUR: The delivery of the Royal Malaysian Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will depend on the government's decision on the vessel's missile system, says Admiral Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain.
The Navy chief said negotiations over the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system, which is to equip the vessel, are still ongoing, with the government to decide whether the ship can be accepted based on the outcome of those discussions.
"This is among the matters that need to be discussed with the shipbuilder and the contractor. The contract is between the government and the shipbuilder.
"The matter is still under discussion with the government on whether the vessel can be accepted under certain conditions. Of course, the government wants to receive the ship in its complete configuration," he told reporters after attending the 53rd anniversary celebration of the Combattante Squadron at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (July 2).
Zulhelmy said that if negotiations on the NSM could not be concluded, TLDM would have to evaluate alternative missile systems for the LCS.
However, he said procuring a replacement missile system would not be a quick process as it would require time for manufacturing, delivery and integration with the ship's combat management system.
"Even if we place an order today, it will still take time to be delivered. It is not something that is readily available off the shelf.
"The only way the process could be expedited is if missiles already allocated for another country can be made available to us, subject to that country's agreement," he said.
He added that some delay would be inevitable if the Navy had to procure a missile system from a different supplier.
Zulhelmy said selecting a replacement missile was not merely about availability, as the system must also be compatible with the LCS' combat management system to ensure the vessel achieves its full operational capability.
"It is not just about having a missile that can be used. We also have to ensure it can be integrated with the ship's combat system, and all this comes at a cost.
"In the end, the government will make the final decision based on the Defence Ministry's advice," he said.
