KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is actively working to enhance its capabilities, strength and readiness of its fleet.
Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, in his new year and the one year anniversary of his command address, said the effort was done by the navy in continuing its modified 15 to 5 Transformation Plan and also the Repowering and Obsolescence Programmes.
Through the first plan, he said, the Littoral Combat Ship project is currently being implemented according to the revised plan, where the navy is expected to receive the first ship out of the five under construction by the end of 2026.
"Additionally, the government through the Finance Ministry has also approved the acquisition of three Littoral Mission Ships Batch Two with combat capabilities for the navy.
"Once the letter of intent is issued, technical specification and contract clause negotiations will be conducted between the navy and the selected firm."
He said the navy aims to complete all contract document requirements by mid-year.
Abdul Rahman added that they are actively implementing the acquisition project of 13 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) as force multipliers where its acquisition is carried out in three phases, with the first batch of four FICs expected to be received on Feb 2 and stationed at the Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters.
"The uniqueness of these FICs compared with previous ones is that they are equipped with a remote control weapon station that enables automatic firing of heavy machine guns."
Abdul Rahman said various programmes and collective actions have been taken by the navy to ensure that the readiness of its fleet is always at the highest level.
"Although the navy's readiness is just 58.6 per cent compared with the target of 75 per cent, the navy has successfully carried out 424 series of operations involving six continuous 24/7 operations and three periodic operations, ensuring the presence of assets in the Maritime Operations Area at all times."
He said to address the challenge of meeting readiness targets, the navy is implementing two initiatives in ship maintenance, namely the Repowering and Obsolescence Programmes.
"So far, a total of 10 ships have completed the Repowering Programme, which involves a complete replacement of the ship's propulsion power system.
"For the Obsolescence Programme, which involves a complete replacement of the ship's hull and a majority of main equipment with new equipment featuring the latest capabilities, it has been completed for KD Perkasa and is now continuing for KD Ganyang.
"These ships are now able to carry out operations more effectively while providing significant savings for the navy."
Additionally, he said that two patrol craft, namely KD Sri Sabah and KD Sri Sarawak, which were transferred back from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, have also completed refitting and were certified on Jan 19 to meet current operational needs while the navy acquires new assets for its fleet.
He also added that the navy will acquire several new assets, such as the Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS).
"The need for MRSS is crucial, especially in ensuring the logistical operations of the navy and effective humanitarian and disaster relief assistance within the country and the region.
"The navy is also currently in the process of establishing the Naval Region 4 Headquarters (Mawilla 4) located in Samalaju, Bintulu, Sarawak."