Malaysia launches, names second Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship

 

Launching of LCS2, named Raja Muda Nala. Photo c/o RMN.


Malaysia’s Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) has successfully launched the second Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship (LCS) built for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). during ceremonies held on 03 July 2025 in Lumut Naval Base,  Perak.


The ship was launched during ceremonies held on 03 July 2025 in Lumut Naval Base,  Perak, with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah naming the ship as the Raja Muda Nala (2502). 


Also present were the Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan; Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar; RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain; and Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris


Raja Muda Nala was named after a young prince who led Selangor’s resistance against Dutch rule in the 18th century, and is considered a revered national hero of Malaysia.


Together with the rest of the class, the ship’s construction was delayed following several design, legal and construction issues. The second LCS actually had its Keel Laying ceremony on February 2017.


The LCS is planned to be the most capable surface warfare assets of the RMN, equivalent to frigates and will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including the Kongsberg Naval Strike anti-ship missiles and MBDA VL-Mica air defense missiles.


The ship will displace at around 3,100 tons, has a length of 111 meters, a beam of 16 meters, and are powered by 4 MTU diesel engines in Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) configuration allowing a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.


[1] Royal Malaysian Navy

[2] New Straits Times

[3] The Star



Malaysia launches, names second Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship Malaysia launches, names second Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on July 04, 2025 Rating: 5

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