Malaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship
Malaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship
Malaysia’s Royal Malaysian Navy has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the Raja Muda Nala, which entered the water for the first time on May 8. The event took place at the Lumut Naval Shipbuilding shipyard, where the ship was officially “downslipped” following the completion of essential safety checks. This launch follows the earlier debut of the first ship in the series, Maharaja Lela, in May 2024, and signals the advancement of Malaysia’s naval capabilities.
Key Developments in the LCS Program
The launch of Raja Muda Nala was a carefully orchestrated event, witnessed by key figures including LUNAS CEO Ir. Azhar Jumaat and other project leaders. The ship’s transition to the water was preceded by the installation of critical components such as its main surveillance radar and mast. LUNAS described this achievement as a reflection of the collective efforts of all teams involved, emphasizing its importance in the ongoing LCS project. “This achievement reflects the collective efforts of all teams involved and marks the beginning of the next phase in the vessel’s development,” LUNAS stated in an official announcement.
Following its launch, Raja Muda Nala is now docked next to Maharaja Lela at the shipyard, where it will undergo fitting out in preparation for upcoming builders’ trials. The current schedule indicates that harbor acceptance tests are set to commence in July 2025, with sea trials expected to follow in June 2026. If all goes according to plan, the ship is slated for delivery to the Royal Malaysian Navy by April 2027.
Specifications and Capabilities
Once commissioned, Raja Muda Nala will share identical specifications with its lead ship, Maharaja Lela. The LCS is designed with a full load displacement of 3,100 tons and measures 111 meters in length. It boasts a beam of 16 meters and a draught of 3.85 meters. The ship is powered by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 28 knots and cover a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. The crew complement is set at 138 sailors.
In terms of armament, Raja Muda Nala is equipped with a Bofors 57 mm main gun, two MSI DS30M 30 mm cannons, and is capable of launching eight Naval Strike Missiles. Additionally, it features a triple torpedo launcher for enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These specifications position the Raja Muda Nala as a formidable asset in Malaysia’s naval fleet, contributing to the nation’s defense and maritime security objectives.
