Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship Now In Water

The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Maharaja-Lela-class littoral combat ship (LCS) was put into water on May 23 at Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS), following official announcements from the shipbuilders.

In December, the KD Maharaja Lela will undergo a Harbour Acceptance Trial (HAT) before being further fitted with equipment. Then, it will proceed to its Sea Acceptance Trial (SAT) by end of 2024 and is on schedule for delivery an August 2026 delivery date.

The nation’s defence minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin visited the shipyard to check on progress of the construction.

Additionally, construction of the second to fifth LCS vessels are currently on track, with each ship being slated for delivery in eight month intervals starting from the second ship in 2027 onwards. The fifth and final LCS is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

On May 15, LUNAS announced that it had passed the critical design review for the LCS’ Integrated Platform Management System in a small signing ceremony with L3HARRIS MAPPS.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:RMN)