Malaysia Secures Turkish Corvettes for LMS Batch 2 Project: Enhancing Naval Capabilities

 

On June 10, 2024, Malaysia signed a letter of acceptance (LOA) with the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) for the procurement of three Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) corvettes for the Royal Malaysian Navy. This announcement, made by the SSB Chief, finalizes negotiations between the two countries, initially reported during the Defense and Security Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from May 6-9, 2024.

While details about the project timeline were not specified, SSB Chief Haluk Görgün confirmed that STM will construct the three ships in Turkey, tailored to meet the Royal Malaysian Navy's requirements. These ships will incorporate products from several Turkish defense industry companies, including HAVELSAN, ASELSAN, and ROKETSAN.

The announcement also highlighted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Turkey and Malaysia regarding the procurement of defense products. This marks the first time Malaysia has signed a government-to-government (G2G) MoU for defense product procurement with another country.

“These significant meetings and agreements not only represent substantial progress in our defense industry cooperation but also herald a new era of strategic partnership between Turkey and Malaysia,” Görgün remarked.

Based on the MİLGEM corvette model displayed at the Malaysian Navy’s booth, the dimensions of the corvette for Malaysia are similar to the Turkish counterpart, with some configuration adjustments. The LMS Batch 2 Corvette will feature air defense missiles housed in 2×2-cell Vertical Launch Systems (VLSs) located in the aft mast area. The selected air defense missile is the Haegung (Sea Bow) Surface-to-Air Missile (SAAM) from South Korean company Lig NEX1, with 16 Haegung SAAMs onboard.

The Ada-class corvette, part of the MILGEM project, is Turkey’s first national shipbuilding initiative aimed at creating a modern littoral combat ship with indigenous anti-submarine warfare and high-seas patrol capabilities, utilizing stealth technology in its design.

The Ada-class Corvette is equipped to detect, locate, classify, identify, and destroy air, surface, and underwater targets, and provide Naval Gunfire Support. These corvettes are also adept at evading threats and performing maritime operations such as surveillance and patrol, protecting coastal areas and infrastructure, and monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones.

Designed to accommodate a 10-ton helicopter with platform, hangar, and extensive service and handling equipment, helicopter operations can be performed at sea state 4. A MILGEM corvette can house 106 sailors, including the flight crew, with a total accommodation capacity of 108.

The LMS Batch 2 corvettes are multipurpose vessels capable of executing a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and both surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare.

LMS Batch 2 Main Specifications:

• Displacement: 2,500 tonnes
• Length: 99.56 meters
• Beam: 14.42 meters
• Draft: 3.9 meters
• Propulsion: CODAG (1 GE LM2500 gas turbine and 2 diesel engines)
• Max Speed: 26 knots
• Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 14 knots
• Crew: 111
• Weaponry: 1x 76 mm gun; 2x 12.7mm STAMP; 8 × Atmaca; 21 × RAM; 30 mm Aselsan Smash; 4-cell quad pack Haegung SAM; Gökdeniz CIWS

China Rapidly Constructs 10 Type 055 Destroyers in 48 Months, Equipping Each with 112 Missiles

 

In just four years, China's defense industry has impressively built and launched ten advanced Type 055 destroyers, each equipped with 112 vertical launch cells for anti-ship or anti-aircraft missiles. The first of these destroyers was launched in January 2020, with the eighth following by April 2023, averaging 2-3 destroyers per year.

This rapid production pace has not hindered the construction of other naval vessels, such as the Type 054 frigates, which are being built concurrently in shipyards in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

PLAAN's Versatile Asset

The Type 055, a class of guided missile destroyers developed for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is among the largest and most advanced surface combatants globally. Designed for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, it is a versatile addition to the PLAN's fleet.

Technical Specifications

The Type 055 measures approximately 180 meters (590 feet) in length, 20 meters (66 feet) in beam, and has a draft of around 6.6 meters (22 feet), making it significantly larger than many contemporary destroyers. Its combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system includes four QC-280 gas turbines, each generating 28 megawatts, enabling speeds up to 30 knots.

Advanced Features

The destroyer features a stealthy design with a smooth superstructure to minimize radar cross-section, an integrated mast housing various sensors and communication systems, and a hull optimized for hydrodynamic performance. It is equipped with advanced electronic systems, including the Type 346B AESA radar for air and surface search, the Type 518 L-band radar for long-range surveillance, and the H/LJG-346A sonar for anti-submarine warfare.

Extensive Armament

The Type 055's extensive armament includes a 130mm H/PJ-38 main gun, 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for firing HHQ-9 surface-to-air missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, and CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles. It also features torpedo launchers, close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for point defense, and anti-submarine rockets, making it a well-rounded combat platform.