Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) participation in the LEKIR Australia Deployment 2026 (LEAD '26) mission has proven the capability of RMN vessel, KD Lekir and its crew to carry out challenging operations in international waters. RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor said the successful voyage covering 10,635 nautical miles around the Australian continent without any critical damage demonstrated the resilience and competence of RMN personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Vice Admiral Baharudin highlighted the robust nature of KD Lekir, a 42-year-old vessel, which successfully completed the circumnavigation of the Australian continent in LEAD '26. The vessel's safe passage through seven major waters, including the Java Sea, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea, Coral Sea, Tasman Sea, Great Australian Bight, and the Indian Ocean, underscored its durability and the crew's expertise.
He noted that the Great Australian Bight posed significant challenges due to its average wave heights of five to seven metres and beam sea conditions throughout the year. This difficult navigation, last undertaken in 1991, is something only seasoned seafarers can fully appreciate.
The mission aimed to reinforce relationships with allies within and beyond the region, aligning with the strategic objectives outlined in the Defence White Paper. During LEAD '26, KD Lekir participated in Exercise KAKADU 26 and Exercise MASTEX 26, focusing on multi-dimensional warfare such as surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.
Vice Admiral Baharudin emphasized the importance of the operational experience and international exposure gained during the mission, which is vital for RMN personnel in handling high-technology assets. He highlighted the upcoming procurement of advanced vessels, including five locally built Littoral Combat Ships and three Littoral Mission Ships from Turkiye, as well as a Multi Role Support Ship.
Commander Megat Mohamad Sofwan Firdaus Megat Mohamad Yunus, KD Lekir's Commanding Officer, recounted the challenges faced during the mission, such as navigating rough seas with waves up to seven metres and wind speeds reaching 100 kilometres per hour. Despite these hurdles, the crew successfully navigated the Great Barrier Reef and the stretch from Melbourne to Perth near the Great Australian Bight, persevering through adverse weather to achieve their mission objectives.