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New Straits Times

Navy gears up for the future

The navy chief tells FUAD NIZAM about the urgent need to fast-track asset acquisitions and why 'quiet strength' remains key in defending national waters THE Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) modernisation plans must be expedited to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. Navy chief Admiral Datuk Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain said the acquisition of new vessels under the 15-to-5 Transformation Plan would serve as an "insurance" for national sovereignty. "At the very least, a strong defence will make any foreign power think twice before encroaching on Malaysian waters. "These assets will not only reinforce our deterrence capabilities, but boost RMN's combat strength," he said in an interview with the New Sunday Times. This push for modernisation is realised through RMN's 15-to-5 Transformation Plan, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting maritime defence by reducing the navy's fleet from 15 ship classes to five. The plan was realigned to focus on seven core classes to better meet operational needs and strategic goals. The updated fleet will comprise littoral combat ships, littoral mission ships (LMS), submarines, multi-role support ships (MRSS), corvettes (formerly patrol vessels), minehunters and hydrographic survey vessels. It will be implemented in phases under the 12th to 15th Malaysia Plans. "They are expected to be operational before 2035 and will be developed through collaborations with local and international shipyards," said Zulhelmy. He added that this approach would empower the national defence industry to be more self-sustainable and reduce dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers. ACQUISITION OF STRATEGIC ASSETS Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Zulhelmy said, the navy was eyeing the acquisition of new assets, including three LMS Batch 3 vessels, two MRSS and four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters. The LMS B3, he said, was intended for maritime patrol and surveillance protecting national maritime borders. "RMN is reviewing the requirements and specifications of the LMS B3 and comparing offers from potential shipyards. The proposed design is expected to meet the operational demands of Malaysia's littoral zones." RMN is awaiting its LMS B2, which is expected to be completed and launched by mid-2026, before being handed over by the end of 2027. The LMS B2's design is derived from the Ada-class corvette, which is a patrol and ASW vessel equipped with advanced anti-aircraft missiles. It has a displacement of approximately 2,500 tonnes, a length of 99.56m, a keel of 14.42m and a draft of 3.94m. It has a maximum speed of over 26 knots with a cruising range of 4,000km at 14 knots and can accommodate 111 crew members with a maximum endurance of 14 days. It also has a helipad and a hangar for ASW helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Meanwhile, in terms of strategic sealift aspect, Zulhelmy said the MRSS acquisition was critical in supporting joint operations across all three military branches. An MRSS is a versatile naval vessel designed to perform a range of support and logistical roles, particularly in amphibious operations, humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts. He said with the MRSS, the navy would be able to support strategic sealift and troop transport needs, as well as logistics between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. "Other MRSS functions include amphibious operations, force projection, aviation operations, area defence, including protection of sovereign islands, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions," he said. RMN has two multi-purpose command and support ships in KD Sri Indera Sakti and KD Mahawangsa. They serve as logistical and operational support platforms, providing services such as command and control, troop transport and supply replenishment. They are also equipped with large operations rooms, vehicle holds and diver compression chambers. BOOSTING SUB-SURFACE WARFARE FROM THE AIR Zulhelmy described the procurement of four ASW helicopters under the 13MP as critical to strengthening RMN's undersea and surface warfare capabilities. "These helicopters will not only replace ageing assets, but also provide us with anti-submarine capabilities we never had before. "They will be equipped with dipping sonar sensors, allowing us to detect, track and engage submarines directly from the air." He added that as more submarines entered the region, the helicopters represented a strategic investment to preserve regional maritime balance and secure Malaysia's territorial waters. Presently, RMN has the Westland Super Lynx 100 in its ASW arsenal. The Super Lynx 100 is equipped for ASW missions with torpedoes and features advanced sensors and radar systems for tracking enemy submarines and surface vessels. GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY Zulhelmy said "gunboat diplomacy" and the principle of "speak softly and carry a big stick" remained relevant as RMN accelerated efforts to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. "As the country firmly upholds its policy of neutrality and does not side with any major powers, it remains committed to building balanced and robust diplomatic ties. "What is beyond our control is the foreign policy of other countries. What matters more is strengthening and enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces, and this must be taken seriously so that we are prepared for any eventuality."