KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – Malaysia is nearing a decision on three alternative missile systems for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) after Norway cancelled the export permit for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The Defence Ministry is now in the final stages of evaluating three surface-to-surface missile (SSM) options proposed by the Navy.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the selection would depend on several factors, including operational requirements, compatibility with naval vessels, costs and procurement timelines.
He explained that the government would make its final decision after agreeing on a suitable system and completing the procurement agreement.
The update was provided in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday, Nov 4, following a question from Datuk Wira Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu).
The MP had asked about the government’s next steps after Norway withdrew the export permit for the original missile system.
Three Missile Options Under Evaluation
The Defence Ministry has not publicly identified the three shortlisted missile systems.
However, the evaluation will focus on whether the alternatives can meet the Navy’s operational needs and work with the combat systems already installed on its ships.
Cost and delivery time will also influence the decision.
The replacement is important because the NSM was originally intended to equip Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
Littoral Combat Ship Project Records 80.72% Progress
In a separate update, the Defence Ministry said construction of all five LCS vessels had reached 80.72% completion as of Sept 25.
This was below the original target of 89.91%, representing a delay of 9.19 percentage points.
The project is being carried out by contractor Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).
According to the latest delivery schedule guaranteed by the contractor, the five vessels are expected to be handed over as follows:
| Naval vessel | Scheduled delivery |
|---|---|
| First LCS | April 2027 |
| Second LCS | August 2027 |
| Third LCS | December 2027 |
| Fourth LCS | August 2028 |
| Fifth LCS | April 2029 |
First LCS Undergoes Shipyard Trials
The first vessel, KD Maharaja Lela, is currently undergoing shipyard trials after completing several harbour acceptance tests.
These trials involve checking the ship’s main machinery, power generation and propulsion systems.
The tests are designed to confirm that the vessel and its systems are performing as expected.
After this stage, the ship will proceed to Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT), which will be conducted together with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The Defence Ministry said these steps are necessary to verify the vessel’s operational performance before delivery.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
