SHAH ALAM: RMN chief Admiral Reza Sany today announced that the service has sign the contract to purchase three maritime operations helicopter (MOH) on September 20 last year. The first helicopter will be delivered on October 20, 2022; second on May 31, 2023 and the third on February 28, 2024.
He did not named the helicopters contracted though it is likely to be the Leonardo AW139 as hinted previously.
RMN is looking to buy another batch of MOH in RMK12 together with a batch of anti-submarine helicopters though the chief did not revealed any numbers. It is likely three for the MOH and six ASW helicopters as had been reported previously.
As RMN is getting another six ScanEagles gifted by the US in June, to add to the six already delivered last year, the service wants to get VTOL drones though he did not cite the figures being sought.
Also on the wish list are the MRSS and the LMS though there was also no numbers. It is likely that three MRSS are being sought though one of them could be funded in the next RMK. As for the LMS it likely it will be the batch two being sought though again it may well be funded in two RMK.
Other items being sought are fast combat boats for the RMN proper and another one for the Paskal, the naval special forces command. The RMN also wants a new bridge tactical trainer or simulator.
Interestingly there was no mention of the LCS in his speech though it must be said that it is now the purview of the minister.
— Malaysian Defence
View Comments (71)
Good news. This is something the RMN has long wanted as moving PASKAL teams and other stuff is very problematic with the Lynxs and Fennecs.
Thank God, thank you for the good news sir..a good year to start with. I believe MRSS and LMS batch 2 is a priority for the RMN.
Why do you keep blocking my comments marhalim?
Cant I give constructive comments?
Do you prefer me to post the exact same thing elsewhere?
Do we really have the money to buy MRSS and 2nd batch LMS?
Nice question ASM...
ASM,
It’s not entirely beyond our means. The buy could be staggered and funding could be partially obtained or carried forward to a next Malaysia Plan.
Ultimately it’s the job of the armed services to lift out their operational requirements. It’s the job of the government to inform the armed services in a timely manner if funding can be made available or if it can’t; to give a likely period so the services can plan accordingly.
I assume the Damen 8313 corvette is only for illustrative purposes only? Or is it a possible contender for LMS batch 2, since we have had success with the building (so far) of the Damen OPVs.
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It is used for illustration purpose only. Of course its also a possible contender for LMS Batch II not because of the MMEA OPV contract but because it ticks most of the requirements. That said if I got some US$1 billion to spare, I will definitely use it to pay for them so RMN can finally retire the FAC fleet within the next five years. I am of the opinion that a corvette is a good fit for work in the Andaman/Selat Melaka/Selat Singapura/Laut Sulu which is the reason RMN wants them.
Indeed. A corvette is perfectly suitable for various roles in certain areas which won’t require a frigate. The trick is for them to work in conjunction with other assets and to not be placed in a situation where they will be required to punch above their weight.
It’s how they are equipped and the support they receive from other assets; as well as the operational circumstances which determines their effectiveness; not the fact that they are “corvettes” (merely a designation which can mean everything or nothing) or the fact that they are not as well armed as a frigate.
Just like how the RMAF desires a high/low end mix; so does the RMN.
Just my self wondering, MMEA already got 3 tun Fatimah, 2 langkawi, 2 Pekan and 6 Bagan dato for total 13 for off shore role. RMN getting 4 lms and already got 6 Kedah plus 4 laksamana also for 14 offshore patrol role. If combine, there are 27 various vessels for this role. Maybe rather than more LMS, for RMN, they should try to squeeze 1 or 2 LCS during Rmk12 instead?
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I dont think they could asked for extra LCSes with none of the original ones delivered yet. If indeed they had stick to the plan or at least not in the same predicament, delays are inevitable in new builds, yes it is likely that the government may add to the original order. RMN had planned for another six LCS
@Azlan,
I hope so. Besides the Navy, the Air Force also requires more helicopters following the Nuris' retirement. Plus the LCAs too...
Is our economy in a good enough shape to handle all of these purchases? (Honest question)