Delays Continue for Littoral Combat Ship Project
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project is facing significant setbacks, with the commissioning of its first vessel now delayed, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) reported that the overall progress of the combat vessels stands at just 75.75%, falling short of the expected 81.57%. The first vessel, LCS Ship 1, has reached only 82.9% completion, compared to a planned 96.52%.
Progress and Challenges in Ship Construction
Despite the delays, Minister Khaled Nordin confirmed that LCS Ship 1 has been successfully launched and is currently undergoing the installation and integration of its main systems. The ship’s construction includes critical phases such as building the ship’s structure, installing major equipment, and integrating various systems. The sea trial phase for LCS Ship 1 began on January 20, followed by its first sea-going trial on January 28. This phase is essential for testing the ship’s machinery, power systems, air-conditioning, and propulsion systems.
The initial sea trials aim to ensure that LCS Ship 1 can navigate effectively while preparations for full sea trials are actively underway. The Defence Minister indicated that the commissioning schedule for LCS Ship 1 has been revised to December, which is four months later than originally planned. The timelines for subsequent vessels have also been adjusted, with LCS Ship 2 now scheduled for August 2027, LCS Ship 3 for December 2027, LCS Ship 4 for August 2028, and LCS Ship 5 for April 2029.
Financial Oversight and Future Commitments
As of now, a total of RM8.3 billion has been spent out of the RM11.2 billion contract value for the LCS project. The delays have led to a significant increase in construction costs, rising from RM9.128 billion to RM11.22 billion, an increase of RM2.098 billion. To maintain transparency and regulatory oversight, the Ministry of Defence has established several monitoring platforms, including a Project Management Review, a Project Monitoring Committee, and a Technical Committee. These bodies meet regularly and involve full participation from the Royal Malaysian Navy, which is the end-user, and Lunas.
Minister Khaled Nordin addressed these issues in response to a question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz regarding the status of the sea trial for LCS Ship 1, KD Maharajalela, and its commissioning timeline. The LCS project, initiated in 2014, was originally intended to deliver six ships in stages starting in 2019, but none have been completed on schedule.
