SHAH ALAM: Back into the future. RMN has published its procurement priorities – some might call it wish list – for RMK12. The procurement plan was announced by RMN chief Admiral Reza Sany during his speech – made via the service’s social media channel – for the 86th anniversary of the navy on April 27.
Among the equipment being sought are eight LMS, two MRSS, two anti submarine helicopters, five maritime operations helicopters, eight special forces assault boats and 12 fast interceptor boats. Also in the plan are one unmanned aircraft system, one each mine hunting and mine disposal systems, a bridge simulator, a fast action tactical trainers and upgrades to the 14 fast attack crafts (FACs).
The upgrades of the FACs will see them with new power packs (engines and generators – not sure whether all brand new or refurbished) and fitted with new mini combat management system (CMS) for better surveillance and fire control – will allow the boats to operate for another 15 years.
Adm. Reza said most of the equipment like the LMS, assault boats, FIC and maritime operations helicopters are the follow on batch of things already procured under RMK11. RMN has taken delivery of the first LMS, KD Keris, in January while the rest are in various stages of the procurement processes. As for the second LMS, Admiral Reza said the ship had been completed and it was expected to be delivered and commissioned at any time soon.
The delivery and commissioning of Sundang was supposed to take place this month but it is delayed likely due to the coronavirus outbreak. The RMN chief also said that two more LMS will be delivered on scheduled in May and August, next year.
In his speech, Admiral Reza also said that the Navy was also proceeding with the 15 to 5 transformation plan though it has now been modified – though he did not explained the modifications. That’s for another day of course.
Anyhow the procurement plan looked very much what was said earlier including the ones that was detailed in the 2019 Defence White Paper with the exception of the two anti submarine helicopters. In the White Paper only the maritime operations helicopters were mentioned.
Of course, the elephant in the room is whether or not the government can afford all of the items above. It is also unclear whether the list had been approved for the RMK12 and more importantly funded. Of course the navy has the right to work towards getting what it feels was needed for it to perform it was tasked for, despite any funding difficulties faced by the government.
— Malaysian Defence
View Comments (163)
No additional submarines? No plans to add more teeth to the NGPVs?
So basically we are going to retain all the Perdana, Handalan and Jerong class FACs up till around 2040, with some of them will pass 60 years of service by then. Powerpack replacements would usually be with new engines.
So there would be batch 2 of the current LMS design. That would bring the LMS fleet to 12 units. I would hope that the 2nd batch would cost 1/2 of what the 1st batch is. Around USD 30 million would be about right for the cost of such ships (which actually could get MMEA a larsen and toubro OPV)
2 ASW helicopter? That is good news in my book. IMO if we are going to have 5 maritime operations helicopters, i am for getting additional 2 used Lynx airframes. That would be fitted with new transmissions, rotors and engine similar to our super lynx. With 8 lynx, 4 to be modified into ASW helicopters.
As for the MRSS, i am now inclined to go the radical path and get a modified fast RORO for this task. We actually need a fast logistical bridge from west to east malaysia more than actually need an amphibious landing capable ship. This could be had for around USD100-150 million each.
http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/A-closer-look-at-the-Littoral-Strike-Ship-1014x487.jpg
http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Prevail-Partners-Multi-Role-Vessel-1.jpg
http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Prevail-Partners-Multi-Role-Vessel-stern-ramp.jpg
Then we should look into expanding our Auxillary force. Replacements for BM5 and BM6 should be sought, with replenishment capabilities. OSVs can be used as paskal staging base, submarine support, and salvage support.
@ ASM
A 3rd sub could be paid for in RMK13 2026-2030, but could start around 2023 or whereabouts
IMO TLDM should pass the NGPVs to MMEA by around 2030, when TLDM has all its Gowinds plus probably with batch 2 of the Gowinds..
@ASM
"No additional submarines? No plans to add more teeth to the NGPVs?"
Given the current state of LCS programme with not a single ship being completed yet, there is likely no chance we are getting anymore submarines or additional LCS/NGPV. if RMN wanted or can add Exocet and RIM missiles to NGPV they would already done it sooner.
I would like to agree with the previous opinions of the regular commenters that no further Kedahs/NGPVs orders should be made, instead use the funds of the extra 12 Kedahs for 6 more LCS in anti air/general purpose configuration for total 18 LCS or for 12 more LMS and 12 helicopters.
The Kedahs should be handed over to APNM circa RMK13/14 thus reducing RMN to only 4 classes of ships
1. Lets first see what the budget will be pared down to in coming years, due to recession and lower than projected oil revenue. Our neighbour Thailand has slashed its defence budget, with the army taking more than half of the cut.
2. With those numbers, it's safe to assume the helicopters are intended to supplement rather than replace the existing RMN helicopter fleet.
3. "Among the equipment being sought are eight LMS," Shows how desperate we are for hulls. We have barely operated the first LMS, let alone validated it in any of its intended roles.
ASM "No additional submarines? No plans to add more teeth to the NGPVs?"
Dream on.
"The Kedahs should be handed over to APNM circa RMK13/14 thus reducing RMN to only 4 classes of ships"
The RMN urgently needs more hulls and is stretched as it is. The Kedahs specifically have navy roles in peace and war. The RMN won't be able to hand them over even if the Kedahs are replaced hull for hull.
Btw what became of the move to reactivate the Laksamanas?
Reply
Still on going, it's difficult to get updates
@ AM
" The RMN urgently needs more hulls and is stretched as it is. The Kedahs specifically have navy roles in peace and war. The RMN won’t be able to hand them over even if the Kedahs are replaced hull for hull "
Malaysia in general needs more hulls for maritime security, not TLDM specifically. The kedahs will still be there, defending and patrolling our waters. Just it would operating under MMEA. TLDM does not need to replace the Kedah hull for hull, and in war situation the kedahs would be easy targets (ie it can barely defend itself, so IMO the kedahs should not be in a war situation in the 1st place). An OPV is better operated painted with white hulls. Would be seen as less escalatory and would be the correct response to chinese coast guard ships, fishing vessels and survey ships encroaching our EEZ.
Going for more LMS would also mean that we would probably need another platform to host our future minehunting and mine disposal systems. The LMS can be used, but space is limited on that ship.
Why i propose for TLDM to expand its auxillary force. Offshore Support Vessels (OSV) would be ideal platform to host minehunting and mine disposal systems. Plenty of used ships can be had cheaply, now more so with the oil price crash. Probably 3-4 of the same type would be ideal.
http://img.offshore-mag.com/files/base/ebm/os/image/2020/03/2003OFFvess_p01.5e7a50cd5a016.png
Can TLDM get Damen 1800 for another 8 LMS hull. IMO it would serve more purpose rather than current LMS.