Progress of Malaysia’s First LCS “Maharaja Lela” at 70.10 Percent, Slightly Behind by 0.59 Percent

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The current progress of Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) the country’s first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Maharaja Lela, stood at 70.10 percent as of October 25.

However, the current progress of the country’s first LCS falls slightly behind the original schedule, which targeted a completion rate of 70.69 percent, marking a delay of approximately 0.59 percent.

During a parliamentary session in Dewan Rakyat today, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that the progress covers several aspects, including design, construction processes, equipment, and testing.

“According to the milestones outlined in the signed contract, the final phase of construction for the first LCS is expected to be completed by the end of this year, after which it will undergo Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Trial (SAT) by the RMN over a two-year period,” he explained.

“The second LCS is scheduled to be launched into the water in 2025 before undergoing HAT and SAT.”

Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Ikhmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) regarding the operational testing timeline for the first LCS and the expected launch of the second ship.

Executive Summary:

The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Maharaja Lela, has achieved a progress rate of 70.10 percent as of October 25, slightly behind the original schedule of 70.69 percent. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari outlined that construction encompasses design, equipment installation, and testing, with the vessel expected to complete its final phase by year-end before undergoing Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Trial (SAT) over two years.

The second LCS is slated for launch in 2025, with its HAT and SAT to follow. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes its strong commitment to the RM11 billion project, involving rigorous monitoring and frequent coordination with the builder, Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).

The first vessel is projected to be delivered to RMN by August 2026, with other units progressing steadily: the second LCS at 64.66 percent the third at 56.48 percent, the fourth at 51.10 percent, and the fifth at 42.33 percent. LUNAS recently announced the completion of the critical “UpSlip” phase for Maharaja Lela, ensuring compliance with stringent construction standards and preparing the vessel for its next stages of testing.

The Ministry remains confident in meeting delivery schedules, with all five ships to be handed over incrementally starting August 2026.

Adly emphasized the Ministry of Defence’s strong commitment to the project, which includes close monitoring and oversight.

The LCS project team conducts regular site inspections and holds weekly or monthly meetings with the builder, Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).

Recently, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the first LCS is on track to be delivered to the RMN by August 2026.

The first vessel is slated to undergo Harbour Acceptance Trial this December, followed by Sea Acceptance Test after the installation of all necessary equipment.

Meanwhile, as of June, the second LCS is 64.66 percent complete, the third is at 56.48 percent, the fourth at 51.10 percent, and the fifth at 42.33 percent.

The Ministry of Defence remains confident that all five LCS units worth RM11 billion will be delivered to the RMN on a staggered schedule beginning August 2026.

In mid-October, LUNAS announced via its social media that the lead ship, Maharaja Lela, had successfully completed the critical “UpSlip” phase of its construction.

This phase involves a thorough inspection and enhancement of the vessel’s systems, components, and functionalities to ensure compliance with stringent construction standards.

According to LUNAS, the “UpSlip” process is essential to verify that all systems, structural components, and critical functionalities meet design specifications.

It also prepares the ship for subsequent stages in the “set-to-work” process and testing.

With the completion of the “UpSlip” phase, the Harbour Acceptance Trial for the vessel is anticipated to begin soon. – DSA