KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — The lead ship of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, KD Maharaja Lela, is expected to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) this December.
RMN deputy chief Datuk Badarudin Taha said the overall progress of the five Maharaja Lela-class LCS frigates at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LNS) has reached 76.88 per cent.
He said the delivery of the vessel is a key component of the RMN’s asset modernisation and fleet rationalisation efforts to ensure maritime readiness remains optimal
“In addition to the Maharaja Lela, which is scheduled for delivery this December, LCS2 (Raja Muda Nala) and LCS3 (Sharif Mashor) are expected to be received in April and December 2027, respectively,” he said.
Badarudin said when reading out the RMN chief’s message for the 92nd RMN Day at KD Pelandok, Lumut Naval Base, Perak, which was broadcast on the force’s official YouTube channel today.
Previously, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reportedly said LCS1 started its first sea trials on January 28 to test its machinery, power generation, air conditioning, and propulsion systems.
Meanwhile, Badarudin said RMN is developing a networked fleet that can execute missions across various spectrums, from maritime security operations to warfare.
He added that besides the LCS project, the progress of three Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships (LMSB 2) at Istanbul Shipyard in Türkiye is at 47.9 per cent.
“The three LMSB 2 vessels, which began construction on December 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.
He also 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 RMN personnel to seize opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills to be selected as the pioneer crew for the navy’s newest assets.
