The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) expects to take delivery of its first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), KD Maharaja Lela, in December 2026, marking a key milestone in its long-delayed fleet modernisation programme.
Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Datuk Badarudin Taha said overall construction progress for the five Maharaja Lela-class frigates has reached 76.88% at Lumut Naval Shipyard (LNS).
The delivery of the lead vessel is seen as critical to strengthening Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities and ensuring operational readiness amid evolving regional security challenges.
“In addition to KD Maharaja Lela, LCS 2 (Raja Muda Nala) and LCS 3 (Sharif Mashor) are expected to be delivered in April and December 2027, respectively,” he said in a message marking the 92nd RMN Day.
The update follows earlier confirmation that the first vessel began sea trials on Jan 28, focusing on key systems including propulsion, power generation and onboard engineering functions.
The navy is also progressing with other major procurement efforts. Construction of three Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships (LMSB2) in Türkiye has reached 47.9%, with deliveries scheduled between October and December 2027.
The vessels, which began construction in December 2024, are expected to undergo naming and launching ceremonies between May and August this year.
Meanwhile, development of the Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) programme is ongoing, forming part of the navy’s broader long-term capability enhancement plan.
Badarudin said the RMN is moving towards building a more networked and balanced fleet capable of handling a full spectrum of operations, from maritime security enforcement to high-intensity warfare.
“This modernisation is not merely about adding assets, but strengthening combat capability and ensuring fleet readiness in facing contemporary maritime threats,” he said.
At the same time, the navy has stepped up efforts to train personnel for the incoming platforms, with crew members and maintenance teams undergoing preparation both locally and abroad.
The LCS programme remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s naval upgrade strategy, with its successful delivery expected to restore confidence in the country’s defence procurement pipeline while enhancing maritime security posture.
