16 August 2021

Malaysia flexes missile capabilities of submarine, Kasturi-class corvettes in South China Sea

by Ridzwan Rahmat

KD Lekir, seen here in the Singapore Strait. The corvette launched an Exocet MM40 missile at the recently concluded Exercise ‘Taming Sari 20/21'. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has carried out a rare demonstration of its anti-surface capabilities in the South China Sea, with the firings of three Exocet missiles.

The firings, which also involved the first known launch of an anti-ship missile from the Kasturi (Type FS 1500)-class corvette, KD Lekir, since the ship completed its upgrade in 2014, was carried out on 12 August as part of Exercise ‘Taming Sari 20/21'.

KD Lekir and the Lekiu-class frigate, KD Lekiu,each fired an Exocet MM40 Block II missile against a surface target, while the Perdana Menteri (Scorpene)-class submarine, KD Tun Razak , launched an Exocet SM39 Block II anti-ship missile while it was submerged.

“The successful test firings of these missiles, which were all on target, is a clear demonstration of the navy's professionalism, ability, and readiness to deploy our assets and defend the country,” said the RMN in a statement published via an official social media channel on 15 August.

Also involved in the six-day exercise include vessels and aircraft from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and more than 1,080 personnel from the RMN, the MMEA, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the service added.

Lekir, and its sister ship KD Kasturi, are both German-built, 1,800-tonne corvettes that were commissioned by the RMN in 1984. The vessels each underwent an extensive ship life extension programme (SLEP) at Boustead Naval Shipyard in 2009, and the upgrades include a new combat management system, 30 mm guns, and new optronics and torpedo launchers. Kasturi completed its SLEP programme in 2013, with Lekir

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has carried out a rare demonstration of its anti-surface capabilities...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.