Malaysian frigate completes detailed design work long after deadline
The KD Maharaja Lela in the water at the Lumut Naval Shipyard. (Photo: LUNAS)
The KD Maharaja Lela, first proposed in 2014, is still not scheduled to be commissioned by the Royal Malaysian Navy until 2026.
The Royal Malaysian Navy and Lumut Naval Shipyard have finally completed the detailed design work on the RMN’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) frigate, just as the first vessel in the LCS fleet is being fitted out for its sea trials.
The landmark occasion would ordinarily be a straightforward part of the process of moving from design to practical sailing, but in the case of the LCS frigates they are both significantly beyond their delivery deadline of October 2023, and over their budget to the tune of MYR1.4 billion (US$340 million).
The vessels, based on French shipbuilder Naval Group’s Gowind 2500
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
