Malaysia scuttles one LCS, as Boustead struggles to fulfil obligations
Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship programme has become a poignant lesson in how not to pursue indigenous shipbuilding. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Malaysia's LCS programme has become a long-running sorry saga, with one ship already dumped.
The troubled Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme had been reduced to five ships instead of the original six, Adm Abdul Rahman Ayob, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), stated on 30 January.
In his inaugural address after assuming command on 27 February, Abdul Rahman confirmed that a decision to pare the programme back to five ships had been made a while ago. However, he did not specify under which government the decision was made.
It was the first official confirmation of this reduction in scope, though the decision was somewhat easy given that construction of LCS6
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
