(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Lekiu-class frigate, KD Lekiu (FFG30), is set to participate in the 2024 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, according to a social media statement by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The departure ceremony for KD Lekiu was officiated by the Commander of the Western Fleet, Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts. Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin, at the Lumut Base Jetty yesterday.
RIMPAC 2024, the world’s largest multilateral exercise, will feature participation from over 30 countries, involving 40 ships, four submarines, and 170 aircraft.
This marks the RMN’s third participation and the second for KD LEKIU, which first joined in 2018 followed by KD LEKIR in 2022.
The RMN stated that the objective of this exercise is to train the combined capabilities of the RIMPAC forces in a dynamic maritime environment, demonstrating continuous interoperability across the full spectrum of military operations.
Throughout the exercise, KD LEKIU, commanded by Captain Mahamad Nazir bin Darus RMN, will undergo a nearly 100-day voyage covering 12,730 nautical miles and conduct various planned drills, including live missile firings at actual ship targets.
This participation is a source of national pride and a benchmark of the RMN’s capability to ensure all its assets perform excellently.
According to the RMN, the involvement in RIMPAC 2024 conveys several important messages and benefits, including demonstrating the RMN’s capability and readiness to conduct complex and challenging maritime operations.
It will also enhance interoperability with international navies participating in the exercise, and providing RMN personnel with opportunities to gain new knowledge and experience through intensive joint training.
Moreover, this participation strengthens Malaysia’s diplomatic and defense relationships with other nations through close interaction and cooperation.
The Lekiu-class frigates are major modern assets in the RMN fleet, consisting of two vessels: FFG29 KD Jebat and FFG30 KD Lekiu, built by Yarrow Shipbuilders UK in Glasgow (now BVT Surface Fleet) based on the light frigate design, FS 2000.
KD Lekiu was launched in December 1994, while KD Jebat followed in May 1995. — DSA