Navy Seeks Second Batch of LMS to Revised Requirements
At DSA in Kuala Lumpur, Damen revealed it is working on an improved version of its Sigma 9113 corvette/light frigate, to meet a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) requirement for a second batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS).
A company official told MON that the upgraded vessel, which will have dimensions similar to those of the Indonesian Navy’s (TNI-AL’s) Diponegoro (Sigma 9113)-class, features a number of enhancements such as a modular design, a smaller radar cross-section, a hybrid (diesel-electric) propulsion system, more advanced weapons and sensors, and the addition of a helicopter hangar.
“Many navies, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, are requesting a proven design that reduces the risk when introducing a new warship into the fleet. The Sigma 9113 meets this requirement, as it has been operated by the TNI-AL since 2007, including during UN operations off the cost of Lebanon,” said the official. Damen emphasised that the improved 92m Sigma 9113 can be easily constructed locally to meet customer needs.
The first batch of four LMS for the RMN was built in China. These vessels, however, were built based on different requirements. For the second batch, the RMN is currently looking for LMS between 85 and 100m in length, with a beam of 11-14m, a top speed of 28kts and a cruising speed of 14. They are to be armed with a 57mm gun, a 30mm CIWS, two Naval Strike Missile launchers, and SAM and/or point-defence missile systems.
Damen’s unveiling of a scale model of the new Sigma 9113 comes as the Philippine Navy appears to still have a requirement for several corvettes. At the same time, the Dutch company is offering Manila its OPV 2200 to meet a requirement for six OPVs. “Damen is seriously considering building these vessels at a local, Philippine shipyard,” added the company official.
Gabriel Dominguez reporting from DSA for MON