Lumut Naval Shipyard has awarded a contract extension to SEA to provide its fixed triple configuration torpedo launcher system (TLS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
This development is set to bolster the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the fleet.
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The TLS will be installed on five Maharaja Lela-class LCSs, with the system designed to be adaptable, reliable, and weapon-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with various lightweight torpedoes.
In July 2014, Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract valued at around $2.8bn (RM12.4bn) to Boustead Naval Shipyard for the construction of the LCS platforms.
SEA TLS head Chris Bennett said: “We are thrilled to partner with Lumut Naval Shipyard to deliver our advanced triple configuration torpedo launcher system for the Royal Malaysian Navy. This contract highlights our commitment to providing advanced, reliable, and adaptable solutions tailored to meet both immediate and longer-term needs for navies around the world.
“By enhancing Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities and supporting the development of its domestic defence industry, we continue to strengthen our presence in the Asia-Pacific region and build strategic partnerships to meet the demands of modern navies.”
The TLS’s compact design is expected to simplify maintenance and enhance the operational lifespan of the system.
It can fire a variety of Nato-compatible standard lightweight torpedoes, such as the US Mk44, Mk46, and Mk54, the UK Sting Ray, the Italian A244S, the French MU90, and the Korean Blue Shark.
This system is a part of a broader initiative to upgrade the Royal Malaysian Navy’s capabilities in response to changing maritime threats.
Lumut Naval Shipyard LCS project captain director Rosnizam Che Puteh said: “The integration of SEA’s torpedo launcher system will significantly enhance the defensive and operational capabilities of the Maharaja Lela-class LCS.
“We look forward to working closely with SEA’s experienced team to ensure the successful delivery of this advanced system. This partnership not only enhances the RMN’s capabilities but also supports LUNAS in delivering world-class solutions to Malaysia’s defence sector.”
A report by GlobalData titled “Malaysia Defense Market 2024-2029” suggests that naval vessels and surface combatants will lead the defence sectors in Malaysia from 2023 to 2028, with an expected total spend of $1.96bn and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%.
It also stated the estimated value of the contract for Maharaja Lela-class LCS over the forecast period to be $1.22bn.
