Malaysia's first LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Sea Trials in November 2024.

According to information published by Defense Studies on October 16, 2024 , the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) of the Maharaja Lela class, KD Maharaja Lela, for the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), is progressing through its final fitting stages at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).
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First Malaysian Maharaja Lela-class frigate Maharaja Lela. (Picture source: Lumut Naval Shipyard)

The ship, which was officially downslipped into the water in May 2024, is expected to enter its Harbour Acceptance Trials (HAT) starting in November, followed by Sea Trials shortly afterward. 

This critical testing phase will take approximately two years, with the ship anticipated to be fully delivered to the TLDM by August 2026. The fitting and testing involve installing key systems like propulsion, combat equipment, and communications, some of which are already in place. This is part of Malaysia's broader program to modernize its naval forces, with four additional LCS vessels under construction and slated for delivery by 2029.

Royal Malaysian Navy

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) faces a range of challenges as it navigates efforts to modernize its fleet and maintain maritime security in the region. One of the core issues is the obsolescence of its current fleet. A significant portion of the RMN's warships are decades old, with two-thirds of the fleet dating back over 30 years. The aging vessels struggle to meet the growing demands of modern naval warfare, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea.

To address these challenges, the RMN initiated the "15-to-5" Transformation Program in 2015. This plan aims to streamline the number of ship classes from 15 to 5, reducing operational complexity and maintenance costs. It also includes the acquisition of new vessels, such as the Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ships and the Keris-class littoral mission ships. However, progress has been slower than expected, with delays in construction and delivery. For instance, of the 18 planned littoral combat ships, only a fraction have been delivered so far, significantly weakening the RMN's patrol capabilities across its vast maritime domain​.

In addition to these material and logistical issues, the RMN must confront the strategic threat posed by China’s assertive presence in the South China Sea. Chinese naval and coast guard vessels regularly intrude into Malaysia's exclusive economic zone, challenging the RMN's ability to effectively patrol and defend its maritime borders. Despite these provocations, Malaysia has often downplayed the threat, focusing instead on regional diplomacy​