After nearly seven years of delays, Malaysia’s first Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has finally left its berth in preparation for initial sea trials.
Images released by Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) show the vessel departing the quay with most of its major fittings installed, including the main gun, vertical launch system and anti-ship missile frames.
The ship was towed clear of the berth by tugboats, and it did not appear to move under its own propulsion.
The second ship in the class, Raja Muda Nala, remains alongside undergoing outfitting. LUNAS also provided an update on the third vessel, Sharif Masahor, where completion of the superstructure has been marked by installation of the radar, radome and mast.
The LCS programme has attracted sustained public and media scrutiny following prolonged delays, these being later linked to corruption allegations. Indeed, this issue of corruption resurfaced recently after the arrest of Malaysia’s army chief and armed forces chief.
In 2011 the country’s Ministry of Defence awarded an RM9 billion (US$2.8 billion) contract to Malaysia’s Boustead Naval Shipyard to build six LCS ships, with the lead vessel scheduled for delivery by April 2019 and the remaining five by 2023.
However, progress stalled, with the programme reaching just a 47% completion level by January 2017, and 50% a year later.
The new government that took office in July 2018 launched an investigation, leading to the project’s suspension in September 2019. Work eventually resumed in May 2020.
In 2024 the Ministry of Finance Incorporated acquired Boustead Naval Shipyard, renaming it Lumut Naval Shipyard. The programme was also subsequently reduced from six to five ships.
Once operational, the 3,100-tonne Maharaja Lela class will be the Royal Malaysian Navy’s most advanced surface combatant. Based on the Naval Group Gowind 2500 design, the ships are to be armed with a Bofors 57mm main gun, a 16-cell MBDA VL MICA vertical launch system and eight Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles.
by Chen Chuanren
