Lumut: The lead ship of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, KD Maharaja Lela, is expected to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) this December. Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Datuk Badarudin Taha revealed that the overall construction of the five Maharaja Lela-class LCS frigates at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LNS) has reached 76.88% completion. The delivery of KD Maharaja Lela is pivotal for the RMN's asset modernisation and fleet rationalisation efforts to ensure maritime readiness remains at the highest level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Datuk Badarudin Taha, speaking during the 92nd RMN Day celebrations at KD Pelandok, Lumut Naval Base, Perak, announced that LCS 2 (Raja Muda Nala) and LCS 3 (Sharif Mashor) are expected to be received in April and December 2027, respectively. This announcement was broadcast via the navy's official YouTube channel. Previously, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin noted that LCS 1 commenced its first sea trials on January 28 to test various systems, including machinery, power generation, air conditioning, and propulsion systems.
Vice Admiral Badarudin emphasized the RMN's ongoing development of a networked fleet capable of executing missions across diverse spectrums, from maritime security operations to warfare. Additionally, the construction of three Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships (LMSB 2) at Istanbul Shipyard in Trkiye has reached 47.9% completion. The LMSB 2 vessels, which began construction on December 4, 2024, are expected to be delivered in stages from October to December 2027, with naming and launching ceremonies scheduled for May, June, and August this year.
The vice admiral also highlighted the RMN's long-term capability enhancement efforts, including the development of two Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) projects. He stressed that modernisation goes beyond asset acquisition, focusing on strengthening combat capability and fleet readiness in response to contemporary maritime security challenges.
In preparation for the commissioning of the LCS and LMSB 2 vessels, the RMN is actively training future crew members and base maintainers both locally and abroad. Badarudin noted that the selection process is being conducted meticulously to ensure personnel meet the required criteria and encouraged RMN personnel to seize opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills to be part of the navy's newest assets.