RMN’s KD Kasturi Has Undergone Extensive MRO Program at LUNAS
KD Kasturi has undergone an extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) program at LUNAS, ensuring it is now fully equipped and capable of sea operations.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) successfully physically handed over KD Kasturi to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) on 14th January 2025.
The handover ceremony was attended by LUNAS COO, Cdr (R) Jal Shazidi Bassari and Head of LUNAS Shiprepair, Cdr (R) Syed Ahyattudin Shid Idris, with the vessel formally received by Commander Western Naval Logistic, First Admiral Ts. Shaiful Bahri Baharuddin.
According to LUNAS social media posting, KD Kasturi has undergone an extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) program at LUNAS, ensuring it is now fully equipped and capable of sea operations.
This program included comprehensive upgrades and rigorous testing to optimize the vessel’s performance, enhance its operational readiness, and extend its service life.
This event underscores LUNAS’s unwavering commitment in delivering excellence in all projects, ensuring that Malaysia’s naval assets are maintains to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and professionalism.
(credit LUNAS)
KD Kasturi is one of two corvettes in the Kasturi-class operated by the RMN.
This class is named after its lead ship, KD Kasturi, and the vessels were originally built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany.
KD Kasturi has been a vital part of the RMN’s fleet since its commissioning in 1984.
KD Kasturi underwent two major refits to enhance its operational capabilities and extend its service life.
The first, conducted between 2011 and 2014 under the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), involved the installation of advanced sensors such as the SMART-S Mk2 3D radar, integration of the TACTICOS Combat Management System, and upgrades to weapon systems, including MM40 Exocet Block II missiles and the DSQS-24C sonar for anti-submarine warfare.
The second refit, initiated in 2021, focused on overhauling the propulsion system, including engines, generators, and gearboxes, ensuring reliability and extending its operational lifespan.
This refit has been completed, marking the ship’s return to active service.
KD Kasturi remains a crucial asset in Malaysia’s naval fleet, particularly for safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty in contested areas such as the South China Sea.
It also plays a role in regional collaborations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts.
The upgrades and continued maintenance reflect Malaysia’s commitment to preserving operational readiness and enhancing its maritime defense posture.
KD Kasturi is equipped with a comprehensive suite of armaments, including a single Oto Melara 76mm/62 Super Rapid Gun as its primary weapon for engaging surface and air targets, MM40 Exocet Block II anti-ship missiles, two Bofors 40mm/70 cannons for secondary defense, two triple torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare, and advanced decoy systems to counter missile threats.
Commissioned in August 1984, KD Kasturi has served as a versatile platform for RMN, fulfilling multiple roles, including maritime patrol and surveillance, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and the protection of Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The corvette has actively participated in numerous regional and international naval exercises, underscoring its vital role in Malaysia’s maritime defense strategy.
KD Kasturi during an exercise in 2019 (pix credit Bernama)