Latest news with #ZulhelmyIthnain
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
TLDM says acquisition of USV Swift Sea Stalker set to bolster maritime defence
LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) today received a Swift Sea Stalker (S3) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) from Swiftships, a Los Angeles, US-based company. This acquisition is set to bolster TLDM's capabilities in maritime defence. In a statement, the TLDM announced that the S3 USV, a surface uncrewed platform, will provide an advantage to the TLDM fleet by enhancing maritime warfare capabilities in terms of surveillance and intelligence activities. 'This platform can be equipped with weaponry that increases deterrence in maritime warfare,' the statement read. 'The reception of the S3 opens new opportunities for TLDM to explore uncrewed platforms, which can also support the vision of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), especially in the Future Force Development Plan,' it added. The symbolic handover ceremony took place at the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Pavilion at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), where the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, represented the TLDM, while Swiftships was represented by its Executive Vice President, Kristina Paskeviciute. The handover ceremony was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and also attended by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. According to the statement, the RMN has already begun operating uncrewed platforms with the establishment of Squadron 601, which uses Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) ScanEagle assets as a force multiplier in maritime operations. Swiftships is a ship construction and marine engineering company based in Los Angeles and operates globally.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
USV Swift Sea Stalker set to bolster maritime defence
LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) today received a Swift Sea Stalker (S3) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) from Swiftships, a Los Angeles, US-based company. This acquisition is set to bolster TLDM's capabilities in maritime defence. In a statement, the TLDM announced that the S3 USV, a surface uncrewed platform, will provide an advantage to the TLDM fleet by enhancing maritime warfare capabilities in terms of surveillance and intelligence activities. 'This platform can be equipped with weaponry that increases deterrence in maritime warfare,' the statement read. 'The reception of the S3 opens new opportunities for TLDM to explore uncrewed platforms, which can also support the vision of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), especially in the Future Force Development Plan,' it added. The symbolic handover ceremony took place at the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Pavilion at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), where the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, represented the TLDM, while Swiftships was represented by its Executive Vice President, Kristina Paskeviciute. The handover ceremony was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and also attended by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. According to the statement, the RMN has already begun operating uncrewed platforms with the establishment of Squadron 601, which uses Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) ScanEagle assets as a force multiplier in maritime operations. Swiftships is a ship construction and marine engineering company based in Los Angeles and operates globally.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Navy buys US unmanned surface vehicle to boost maritime defence
LANGKAWI: The navy has received a Swift Sea Stalker (S3) unmanned surface vehicle (USV) from Los Angeles-based Swiftships to bolster capabilities in maritime defence. In a statement, the navy announced that the S3 USV, dubbed a 'surface uncrewed platform', will enhance maritime warfare capabilities in its surveillance and intelligence activities. "This platform can be equipped with weaponry that increases deterrence in maritime warfare," the statement read. "The reception of the S3 opens new opportunities for the Royal Malaysian Navy to explore uncrewed platforms, which can also support the vision of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), especially in the Future Force Development Plan," it added. The symbolic handover ceremony took place at the navy's pavilion at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), represented by the Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain while Swiftships was represented by its executive vice president Kristina Paskeviciute. The handover ceremony was witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and attended by the ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. According to the statement, the navy has already begun operating uncrewed platforms with the establishment of Squadron 601, which uses unmanned aerial system (UAS) ScanEagle assets as a force multiplier in maritime operations. Swiftships is a ship construction and marine engineering company based in Los Angeles and operates globally. - Bernama
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Royal Malaysian Navy continues to defend sovereignty of Malaysia's seas
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) continues to strengthen its role as the country's main line of maritime defence through the implementation of various strategic initiatives that reflect its high commitment to the country's sovereignty and safety of its waters. Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain said that the success of the procurement of new assets - including the Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 (LMSB2), Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) - proved that the Navy was on the right track in improving combat readiness and capabilities. "The keel laying of the LMSB2 was completed on April 8 at Istanbul Shipyard, Turkiye marking an important phase of ship construction that is estimated to be completed in mid 2026 before being handed over to the RMN at the end of 2007," he told Bernama in conjunction with the 91st Navy Day with the theme 'Navy strengthened, sovereignty safeguarded' today. Zulhelmy also shared that the LC1 is expected to be handed over to the Navy in August 2026 while the start of construction for LCS 2 and LCS 3 would be in June 2025 and January 2026 respectively. "From the 19 FIC units approved in 2020 to support Op Benteng, 14 have been received and the rest are expected to arrive at the end of this year," he said. Zulhelmy also said that the RMN planned to procure two Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), three LMS Batch 3 and four Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters, all of which will be operational before 2035 under the 13th Malaysia Plan. "These assets will not only strengthen the element of 'prevent resist' but also contribute to the Navy's combat capabilities and would be developed through partnerships between local and international shipyards to empower the national defence industry sustainably and reduce dependency on foreign original equipment manufacturers," he said. To ensure continuity of operations, Zulhelmy said the Navy is focusing on vital infrastructure development such as the construction of the Naval Region 4 Headquarters (MAWILLA 4) in Sarawak to protect national strategic interests in Borneo waters. Besides defence aspects, the welfare of naval personnel is being addressed through the new Armed Forces Family Home construction project, he added. "The projects underway are at the National Hydrography Centre, the Kota Kinabalu Naval Base and the Naval Region 2 Headquarters in Sandakan. On this year's 91st Navy Day celebrations, Zulhemy said it would be in moderation but filled with interesting events, including a parade, blood drive, welfare visits and Armada Open Days at several naval bases including in Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Gelang base in Kuantan and in Sandakan. Even though the loss of 10 naval personnel in a helicopter crash during Navy Day rehearsals last year left a deep impact, Zulhelmy said the force was still forging ahead with a more people-oriented approach. "Even though last year's incident remains fresh in mind, the celebrations will continue as a symbol of our personnel's resilience. We hope Malaysians will continue to support our efforts to defend the sovereignty of our country's waters," he said. Zulhelmy also expressed his confidence towards the implementation of the Transformation 15to5 Plan and the maritime defence policy that outlined the RMN as a modern navy, dedicated and respected in the region. – BERNAMA
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- 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."
