(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officially received the first four Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) G2000 Mk II from Gading Marine Industry Sdn Bhd at the RMN Base in Kota Kinabalu today.
The initial phase of this acquisition project was entirely constructed in Sitiawan, Perak, and successfully completed within a period of 16 months.
The overall acquisition involves a total of 13 units of FIC G2000 Mk II, encompassing three phases that will be implemented gradually.
The 18-meter-long FIC G2000 Mk II is equipped with the Escribano Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS), enabling automatic firing of the CANiK M2 Quick Change Barrel (QCB) 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG).
It also has the capability to achieve speeds of up to 52 knots.
These four assets will be stationed at the Naval Region 2 Headquarters (MAWILLA 2) in Sandakan to enhance maritime security, particularly in the waters of Eastern Sabah, serving as complementary assets or force multipliers for the TLDM.
The Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, witnessed the handover ceremony today between the Managing Director of Gading Marine Industry (M) Sdn Bhd, Datuk Jamalolail Mohd Yatim, and the Chief of the Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob.
According to Abdul Rahman, the FIC will be utilized to support operations addressing non-traditional and asymmetric threats more effectively.
“Non-traditional threats such as cross-border crime, smuggling, human trafficking, sea piracy, and subversion pose challenges to the security of our waters. The FIC is specially designed with efficiency, speed, and precision features to enable the TLDM to respond swiftly in preventing such activities within our national waters,” he said.
He added that the success of the local company, Gading Marine Industry, in building and delivering these combat boats demonstrates the capability and potential of the local defense industry, particularly in the maritime sector.
In February 2021, TLDM received six FIC G2000 Mk I from the same company. In comparison to the previous FIC, the FIC G2000 Mk II is equipped with the Escribano Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS).
The FIC G2000 Mk II is powered by a more potent engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 52 knots, and its internal layout has been improved to provide greater comfort for the crew during operations.
The two FIC G2000 Mk II combat boats handed over today will be stationed at the TLDM Base in Kota Kinabalu, while the other two will be deployed at the Naval Region 2 Headquarters (MAWILLA 2) in Sandakan.” — DSA
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