(Perak, 15th) As of May 25, the much-anticipated Offshore Combat Ship (LCS) project has reached an overall construction progress of 72.43%.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar visited the naval shipyard in Lumut, Perak on June 15 to inspect the project progress and receive the latest report from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) on the five vessels currently under construction. Deputy Defense Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohamad Nizam Jaffar also accompanied the visit.
The Ministry of Defense stated in a release that, as per the contract plan, LCS1 was successfully launched on May 23. Currently, the vessel has entered the 'Setting to Work' (STW) phase, with the first sea trial planned for December 2025.
The second vessel, LCS2, was launched earlier on May 8 and is currently undergoing further construction, with its STW phase expected to begin in September.
Meanwhile, the construction of LCS3, LCS4, and LCS5 is also progressing as planned. LCS3 is expected to be delivered in 2027, with subsequent vessels delivered at eight-month intervals, and the final vessel, LCS5, expected to be completed by 2029.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that strong coordination with key government agencies has played a crucial role in overcoming previous setbacks and ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.
The LCS project, which had previously garnered attention due to delays and controversy, is considered an important component in enhancing Malaysia's maritime defense capabilities. The vessels, designed for combat in coastal waters, are expected to significantly enhance the Royal Navy's preparedness in safeguarding national waters.
The government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling the delivery transparently and promptly, ensuring that the LCS fleet becomes an important pillar of the Malaysian Navy in the future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar visited the naval shipyard in Lumut, Perak on June 15 to inspect the project progress and receive the latest report from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) on the five vessels currently under construction. Deputy Defense Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohamad Nizam Jaffar also accompanied the visit.
The Ministry of Defense stated in a release that, as per the contract plan, LCS1 was successfully launched on May 23. Currently, the vessel has entered the 'Setting to Work' (STW) phase, with the first sea trial planned for December 2025.
The second vessel, LCS2, was launched earlier on May 8 and is currently undergoing further construction, with its STW phase expected to begin in September.
Meanwhile, the construction of LCS3, LCS4, and LCS5 is also progressing as planned. LCS3 is expected to be delivered in 2027, with subsequent vessels delivered at eight-month intervals, and the final vessel, LCS5, expected to be completed by 2029.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that strong coordination with key government agencies has played a crucial role in overcoming previous setbacks and ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.
The LCS project, which had previously garnered attention due to delays and controversy, is considered an important component in enhancing Malaysia's maritime defense capabilities. The vessels, designed for combat in coastal waters, are expected to significantly enhance the Royal Navy's preparedness in safeguarding national waters.
The government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling the delivery transparently and promptly, ensuring that the LCS fleet becomes an important pillar of the Malaysian Navy in the future.