Future Malaysia Navy Littoral Combat Ship LCS Maharaja Lela finally enters water.

According to a photo published by Malaysia Military Review on May 20, 2024, the first Malaysian littoral combat ship Maharaja Lela entered water.
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Mahararaj Lela class LCS Maharaja Lela. (Picture source: Malaysia Military Review)

The LCS program has faced significant delays and cost overruns. Initially expected to be delivered by 2019, the first ship's delivery has been repeatedly postponed, with the current schedule indicating a delivery date in 2026.

The project has also been plagued by financial issues, including a reported cost overrun of RM1.4 billion. Despite these setbacks, the Malaysian government and Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) have implemented stricter oversight and governance measures to ensure the project's completion​​.

The successful delivery and commissioning of the Maharaja Lela-class frigates are critical for the RMN's operational capabilities and regional security role. These ships are intended to perform various missions, including littoral patrol, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) protection, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, and anti-surface, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare.

The Maharaja Lela-class frigates feature stealth capabilities with a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and minimized acoustic, infrared, and magnetic signatures. Each ship has a displacement of 3,100 tons, a length of 111 meters, a beam of 16 meters, and a draught of 3.8 meters.

They are powered by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system, which includes four MTU diesel engines, allowing the ships to achieve speeds of up to 28 knots and an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The ships can accommodate a crew of 118 and feature an aft helicopter deck capable of supporting a medium-sized helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 10 tons​​.

The Maharaja Lela-class frigates are equipped with a variety of advanced weaponry and systems. The main armament includes a BAE Systems Mk3 57mm gun mounted in a stealth cupola, two MSI DS30M Mark 2 30mm remote-controlled weapon systems, and J+S torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare.

For missile capabilities, the ships are fitted with a 16-cell Sylver vertical launching system (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles, and two quadruple launchers for Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), capable of engaging targets over 200 kilometers away​.

The ships are equipped with sophisticated sensor and radar systems, including the Thales Smart-S Mk2 3D surveillance radar, Captas-2 variable depth sonar, and SharpEye Doppler radars. Fire control is managed by the Rheinmetall TMX/EO Mk2 system.

For electronic warfare and countermeasures, the vessels use the Super Barricade decoy system and Thales Vigile radar electronic support measures (RESM). Communication systems include the R&S NAVICS integrated communication suite, providing advanced voice and data communication capabilities​​.