State-owned shipbuilding firm Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) has launched KD Raja Muda Nala, the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The ships are an enlarged evolution of the Naval Group’s Gowind-class corvette in use with the Egyptian Navy, the Argentine Navy and the United Arab Emirates Navy.
The 111-metre RMN frigate displaces about 3,100 tons, will have a 5,000-nautical-mile range and is capable of a maximum speed of about 28 knots. Once commissioned the LCS is likely to carry eight Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles and will also be equipped with two triple SEA torpedo launchers, a 57mm Bofors main gun and two 30mm cannons.
Her sea trials are scheduled to begin in June 2026, with delivery to the RMN earmarked for early-to-mid 2027.
As per an official RMN statement: “With the launch of LCS Raja Muda Nala, Malaysia now has a more advanced and capable maritime defence asset, further strengthening the country’s presence and sovereignty in regional waters.
“The ship is not just a military asset, but a symbol of national pride and ongoing commitment to safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our waters.”
The first-in-class, KD Maharaja Lela, was launched back in 2017; she is expected to be commissioned in 2026. A total of five such ships are currently planned for the RMN at an estimated cost of RM 11.2 billion (about £1.9 billion).
- You can read more details on the RMN’s Facebook page