All three Royal Malaysian Navy littoral mission ship Batch 2 (LMSB2) vessels are scheduled to be fully commissioned by the end of 2027, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed today. [1, 2]
The vessels are being built in Türkiye under a government-to-government contract signed in 2024. Construction has proceeded smoothly and remains on schedule, the Defence Ministry said. [1, 2] The procurement cost for the three new ships is €536.5 million (RM2.5 billion). [2]
The first Batch 2 vessel, named Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil, was launched in Istanbul on May 24, 2026. The second, Raja Laut, was launched at the same shipyard on August 23, 2026. [1, 2] The third ship's launch details have not been disclosed publicly.
Minister Mohamed Khaled said, "We expect these ships to be delivered to our navy by late 2027. According to the estimated timeline, the first vessel will be commissioned in October, followed by the second in November, and the third in December. Everything is progressing well." [1]
Currently, Malaysia operates four littoral mission ships and aims to expand its fleet to 18 vessels to strengthen maritime security. [2] The LMSB2 vessels are a key part of this expansion and are intended to bolster Malaysia's maritime sovereignty through bilateral cooperation with Türkiye. [1]
In a separate matter, the Defence Ministry is pursuing a RM1 billion claim against a Norwegian defence firm following a failed export license for Naval Strike Missiles. Mohamed Khaled noted that talks have been requested by the company but no meetings have occurred yet. He added, "Regardless, our claim remains active and is proceeding." [1]
The three LMSB2 ships are scheduled for delivery between October and December 2027, with commissioning staggered monthly starting in October. This timetable follows the contract signed in 2024 and milestones met this year at the Istanbul Shipyard. [1, 2]
