(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Navy’s firstl Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the “Maharaja Lela,” was successfully downslipped on May 23, announced Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today.
Following its downslip, the “Maharaja Lela” is set to undergo both Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) starting later this year.
Mohamed Nordin noted that the first LCS is expected to be delivered to the navy in August 2026, after the completion of these tests.
To date, the construction of LCS1 “Maharaja Lela” has been on schedule, with its recent launch having taken place as planned last month.
The downslip was approved by the design team, quality control, and the end-user, the Royal Malaysian Navy, to assess the vessel’s stability and integrity.
“The ship has undergone these processes and is now in the phase of equipment installation, some of which has been completed, with more ongoing.
“This installation, along with testing, is expected to continue into next year, encompassing the engine, combat systems, communications systems, and weaponry,” said the Defence Minister.
He projected that after equipment installation is complete, harbour trials will be conducted in December followed by sea trials.
If all goes according to plan, the first LCS will be handed over to the navy by August 2026, as reported by local media today.
Prior to these statements, Defence Minister inspected the “Maharaja Lela” construction at the Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS).
He remarked that the construction of four additional LCS vessels is progressing well and according to schedule.
“For the second through fifth LCS vessels, construction is also on track to meet the set delivery timelines, with the final ship expected by 2029,” he added.
“I extend my thanks and congratulations to all parties involved for ensuring the project is completed according to the newly established milestones.”
“All efforts are being made to enhance the readiness and sovereignty of our naval forces,” stated the Defence Minister.
Simultaneously, he explained that a ship must undergo four critical processes—design, construction, equipment installation, and testing—before it is ready for official use.
The Royal Malaysian Navy chief, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, previously mentioned that the harbour and sea trials phases would take up to 22 months to complete before the first LCS can be commissioned into the navy.
Admiral Ayob emphasized the critical importance of the first LCS’s successful construction in determining the project’s continuity, especially for the second through fifth ships.
Last year, Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) announced to Bursa Malaysia that the total contract value for the construction of five Littoral Combat Ships had increased to RM11.2 billion from RM9 billion previously.
The initial contract between Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS), a subsidiary of BHIC, and the Ministry of Defence, signed on July 17, 2014, involved the construction of six LCS vessels at a cost of RM9 billion.
Upon completion, the Maharaja Lela-class LCS will measure 111 meters in length and accommodate approximately 118 crew members.
Powered by CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel), the LCS will be capable of speeds exceeding 28 knots and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.
These ships are designed for extended and enhanced operational capabilities. – DSA