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
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
