Malaysia selects Chinese warships
Malaysia surprised many by its 5 November announcement that it will buy four Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) from China.
Cost was touted as a major factor in the decision to buy from China, but it also reflects geopolitical realities with under-fire Prime Minister Najib Razak boasting of a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ between the two countries.
This is the largest defence acquisition between the two countries, with previous sales limited to the FN-6 man-portable air defence system.
Malaysian Defence Minister Hishamuddin Hussein confirmed that the initial LMS68 order will entail a pair of ships constructed
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