The first of six Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) built by Gading Marine for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has been unveiled to the Deputy Chief of the Navy on January 25, 2021.
The Duputy Chief has inspected the patrol boat which has yet to be installed with either Aselsan or arrdo made Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS).
Besides RCWS, the boats will be equipped with Electro Optic? Infra Red (EO/IR) camera and sensors to be used for day and night surveillance of any activities at its areas of responsibilities.
In comparison to the RMN’s current Swedish made CB-90 boats, they are more streamlined and are specifically made for coastal patrol operations.
The Navy is planning to operate a fleet of 18 FICs to be distributed among its naval bases and stations across the country. They will eventually be replacing the 20 years plus CB-90 combat boats for similar roles and purposes.
Having said that, it is possible that the CB-90 will not being retired but instead repurposed to support amphibious duties especially for troops operating in the East Coast of Sabah as part of ESSCOM as well as for the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 Bgd Para) while conducting amphibious landings and assaults.
(MFH)