Malaysia to launch fourth Maharaja Lela-class LCS in January 2027

Malaysia first-of-class Maharaja Lela frigate, seen here at its maiden sea trials. The country will launch its fourth ship in the class in January 2027. (LUNAS)

Malaysia's Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) is planning to launch the fourth Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship (LCS) in January 2027, Janes has learnt, a milestone that would indicate the long-delayed programme remains on track against its latest revised schedule.

The planned launch for January 2027 follows a series of recent milestones achieved in 2026, including the launch of the third vessel, the future KD Sharif Mashor, in February, and the commencement of sea trials by the lead ship, the future KD Maharaja Lela, earlier the same year.

Malaysia's LCS programme derives its main form factor from Naval Group's Gowind design and forms the centrepiece of the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN's) surface fleet modernisation efforts.

It measures approximately 111 m in overall length and displaces around 3,000 tonnes at standard loads.

Weapons on board the vessel include the MBDA VL MICA air-defence missile, a BAE Systems 57 mm Mk 3 naval gun, MSI-Defence Seahawk 30 mm guns, and J+S 324 mm triple torpedo launchers.

The ships were originally intended to be armed with Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile, but those plans have been affected by Norway's latest export-control regulations.

The ship's sensor suite incorporates the Thales SMART-S Mk 2 radar, Rheinmetall TMEO Mk 2 TMX/EO fire-control system, and the Thales Captas-2 low-frequency variable-depth sonar for anti-submarine warfare operations.

For more, please see Malaysia launches third Maharaja Lela-class ship