(VIDEO) LCS 1 “Maharaja Lela” Successfully Completes “Upslip” Process, Nearing Harbour Acceptance Trial

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) announced yesterday that the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), “Maharaja Lela”, has successfully completed the critical “Upslip” process, marking a significant milestone in its construction.

The “Upslip” process is a crucial phase in shipbuilding, involving detailed inspections and refinements of the vessel’s systems, components, and functions.

Its purpose is to ensure that the ship adheres to stringent construction standards and meets its design specifications.

In a statement posted on its social media yesterday, LUNAS stated, “The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 1 has successfully completed the upslip process, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward achieving the physical completeness of the vessel.”

“This critical phase ensures that all onboard systems, structural components, and essential functions undergo meticulous inspection and refinement to meet construction standards and compliance with design specifications, bringing the vessel one step closer to the next phase of set-to-work activities and eventual trials.”

Following the completion of the “Upslip” process, the Harbour Acceptance Trial is expected to commence by the end of this month, conducted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

On September 23, LUNAS achieved another major milestone with the official submission of the Detailed Design for the LCS project.

This step is vital in establishing the foundation for the construction phase, ensuring that the ships are built to the highest quality standards and meet all planned requirements.

According to the Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the Harbour Acceptance Trial is scheduled for December, followed by sea trials after all systems and equipment are installed.

“According to the plan, the first ship will be delivered to the RMN in August 2026, Insya-Allah,” he stated, as quoted by the media in early June.

As for the progress of the remaining ships, the Malaysian Defence Minister revealed in June that the second LCS was 64.66% complete, the third 56.48%, the fourth 51.10%, and the fifth 42.33%.

The Ministry of Defence expressed confidence that all five LCS vessels would be delivered to the RMN on a phased basis starting in August 2026, as scheduled. — DSA