Significant Acquisitions Aimed at Improved Maritime Security

Maritime domain awareness dominated the headlines at Malaysia’s LIMA 2023 in Langkawi, 23-27 May. Malaysia’s revolving door of four prime ministers since Najib Razak was defeated in 2018, added to economic fallout from COVID-19, has had a protracted impact on Malaysia’s defence acquisitions. However, several new contracts at LIMA 2023 offered glimpses of forward traction.

On 26 May, the government finally signalled a path forward for its Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme that is stuck in a self-inflicted morass. The MoD and Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) signed a contract – the sixth supplemental one to be signed – on how to complete the 3,100t Gowind-based vessels for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) that are currently languishing in despair at BNS’s shipyard in Lumut. The contract confirmed the class will be reduced from six vessels to five, and that the first LCS will be completed by August 2026, seven years behind schedule, with the final LCS to be completed by April 2029 – in theory. The MoD approved a revised funding boost from MYR9 to MYR11.2 billion (US$1.96 to 2.44 billion).

One programme creating intense interest at LIMA was the RMN requirement for a second batch of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS). China delivered four LMS Batch 1 vessels from 2020-22 – two of which attended LIMA – but these ‘gunboats’ are not proving ideal, due to poor seakeeping in heavy seas and relatively small size.

The navy’s 15-to-5 transformation plan emphasises the LMS, with 18 vessels required. In a current tender, the RMN has asked for three LMS Batch 2 vessels, plus another five in the following five-year plan. Specifications include an 85-100m length, 4,000nm endurance and armaments comprising a 57mm naval gun, two Naval Strike Missile launchers, twin 30mm cannons and fitted for air defence missiles.

The 2023 budget allocated MYR2.5 billion, and industry sources told MON they expect a selection in Q3. Over 20 shipbuilders are competing, and contenders at LIMA 2023 included: Hyundai Heavy Industries’ HDC-2000; a Damen and Gading Marine tie-up offering the SIGMA 9113; Fincantieri’s FCX15; STM’s Ada-class; Dearsan’s OPV 92; and a 95m OPV from TAIS Shipyards.

On 25 May, important contracts for long-standing requirements were signed for maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS. Regarding the former, Leonardo inked an MYR789 million deal for two ATR 72 MPA aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). This platform was selected last October, but the contract may turn into something larger, since the MoD described it as ‘Phase 1’. It is unclear when the aircraft will be delivered, but Leonardo claims an advantage in that it produces all the airframes, sensors and mission systems itself.

Leonardo will supply the RMAF with two ATR 72 MPA, similar to the Italian Air Force example pictured here. (Leonardo)

Secondly, Turkish Aerospace benefitted from an MYR423.8 million contract for a trio of Anka-S UAVs plus a ground control station for the RMAF. As with the ATR 72s, the platform was selected last year. Malaysia will integrate a different radar on its satcom-linked Anka-S UAVs, so it will take the Turkish OEM two years to complete delivery. MON suspects the radar will be one suitable for maritime surveillance, as these aircraft are needed to monitor Malaysia’s 334,671km² EEZ. This contract was also described as a ‘Phase 1’ initiative, hinting at more UAS being acquired in the future. Turkish Aerospace thinks more capable platforms, like its twin-engine Aksungur, would be suitable for Malaysia.

The RMAF will receive three radar-equipped Anka-S MALE UAS from Turkish Aerospace, plus a single ground control station. (Gordon Arthur)

Incidentally, the RMN exhibited ScanEagle UAVs at LIMA 2023. Donated by the US under its Maritime Security Initiative, these are also used for maritime surveillance in East Malaysia.

A third contract signed at LIMA – for 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) – was merely ceremonial, since the MYR3.84 billion procurement had been inked on 24 February. The aircraft will be used as lead-in fighter trainers and light combat aircraft. They are Block 20s, the latest variant of the T-50/FA-50 family that has already found favour with Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Delivery of the 18 aircraft will occur between October 2026 and August 2027.

Instead of Elta’s ELM-2032 radar used hitherto on the FA-50, Malaysian aircraft will receive Raytheon’s PhantomStrike AESA sensor, which will also feature on Poland’s FA-50s. KAI expects the RMAF will need another squadron of 18 FA-50s in the future, plus it was promoting the KF-21 as a suitable platform for Malaysia.

Another contract signed on 25 May encompassed the lease of four UH-60A+ Black Hawk helicopters for MYR187 million for the Malaysian Army, with local firm Aerotree Defence and Services supplying the helicopters, to be used for both training and operations. Thales also received a letter of intent at LIMA, worth MYR170.6 million for a long-range air surveillance radar. This is presumably a GM400-family radar, with the RMAF already having this type in its possession.

Gordon Arthur reporting from Langkawi for MON