Adm Mohamad Reza Mohamad Sany, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), announced a series of priority tasks, including readjustment of the 15-to-5 transformation plan, in a speech on 8 January.
While stating that the 15-to-5 plan must continue, he added that a revision of timeframes was needed by March for phasing in new ships and phasing out existing vessels.
Revises naval fleet retirement
Among those ships originally slated to be phased out were four Laksamana-class corvettes in 2019-20 and four Mahamiru-class minehunters in 2019-21, but Reza reversed that schedule by declaring an intention to retain both classes.
For the former, Reza said all four will be operational, with two having much of their original capabilities returned. He did not specify details, but the Laksamana corvettes once had Otomat anti-ship missiles, Aspide surface-to-air missiles and A-244S torpedo launchers. The missiles were phased out in 2014 due to obsolescence, while the torpedo launchers were transferred to two Kasturi-class frigates as a part of a service life extension programme.
This programme is to be completed by the end of 2019.
For the minehunters, he stated this involved restoring full capabilities to two vessels in 2019-20. This will likely be KD Jerai and KD Kinabalu.
The RMN chief also said that all aspects of logistical support, operational support, human resources and infrastructure for two Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) should be completed by September, which is three months before the LMS arrives from China.
At the same time, he noted the RMN needs to push appropriate parties to minimise delays in completing Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ships. Completion of the first vessel has been delayed till the end of 2019 due to delays in delivery of subsystems, while the government is yet to sign an agreement to acquire MICA missiles.
Fast Interceptor Craft, helicopter and MRSS
Reza also touched on three other programmes. The Fast Interceptor Craft project requires vessels to operate along the coast, particularly in Eastern Sabah. In 2014 the US offered 14 ex-USN Mark V Special Operations Craft, but the RMN aborted the acquisition due to high refurbishment costs cited by local contractors. It appears the RMN intends to restart this requirement.
On helicopters, Reza explained that the RMN needed aircraft that matched RMN plans. Although he did not elaborate, it is likely he was voicing opposition to accepting any compromise based on the government’s emphasis on reducing costs.
The Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) requirement has been ongoing since 2006. Reza advocated a feasibility study on various proposals put forth relating to this.
(Shephard)