LCS project hits snag, progress trails by 3pct

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The overall progress of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project stood at 72.90 per cent as of June 25, slightly behind the planned schedule.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the shortfall, compared to the original projection of 76.1 per cent, was due to rework on piping and cabling, following feedback from the Design Authority, Naval Group.
"As of June 25, the LCS project has reached 72.90 per cent completion, a variance of -3.20 per cent from the original schedule due to the necessary rework," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
"LCS1 has been in the Setting to Work (STW) phase since May and is expected to undergo its maiden sea trials in December."
He added that LCS2 successfully completed its technical downslip on May 8, with 72.26 per cent progress, and is scheduled to begin its STW, Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT), and Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) before its handover to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in April 2027.
The construction of LCS3 through LCS5 is proceeding on schedule, with LCS3 set for delivery in 2027. Each subsequent vessel is scheduled to follow at eight-month intervals, with LCS5 expected to be completed by 2029.
Khaled was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN–Pengkalan Chepa) on the current status of Malaysia's strategic defence asset procurements, including combat ships, drones, and air defence systems.
He said that another key procurement currently underway involved drone technology or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is in the process of acquiring three ANKA UAS from Turkish Aerospace Industries, with delivery scheduled for February next year.
"To date, assembly is 99 per cent complete, and system integration has reached 85 per cent. These drones will significantly enhance Malaysia's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, particularly in border monitoring," he said.
He also said that the GM400 long-range air defence system, currently under development in Bintulu, was in its internal testing phase from June to July 2025. The project is 60 per cent complete and is slated to be operational by April 2027.
Additionally, the RMAF is acquiring 18 Fighter Lead-In Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA) from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
"As of now, the project has achieved 69.47 per cent completion; 3.47 per cent ahead of schedule. Deliveries are expected to begin in October 2026 and continue until August 2027."
Two Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Leonardo S.P.A are also being procured. Progress on the project currently stands at 65.8 per cent, surpassing the contractual schedule of 52.4 per cent.
"One MPA is due for delivery in June 2026, with the second following in September 2026," he said.
To ensure smooth execution and minimise potential leakages, the ministry has implemented several oversight mechanisms, ranging from contract administration to top-level monitoring involving central agencies.
"These measures include the establishment of the Ministry Development Action Committee (JTPK), chaired by the ministry's secretary-general, and the Defence Development Action Council, chaired by the Defence Minister himself," Khaled said.
He added that the ministry actively conducted regular site visits, both domestically and abroad, to monitor procurement progress.