Scale model of LMS Batch-2 in Royal Malaysian Navy booth at DSA 2024

STM starts construction of first LMS Batch 2 for Royal Malaysian Navy

On December 5, 2024, the Royal Malaysian Navy announced the steel-cutting ceremony for the first “Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2” at Istanbul Shipyard.

The Steel Cutting Ceremony for the Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 (LMSB2) project for the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) was held today (Dec. 5) at Istanbul Shipyard, Turkey.

The event marks the official commencement of shipbuilding activities for the LMSB2. Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, officiated the ceremony. The event was witnessed by a delegation from Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense, led by Deputy Secretary-General (Development), Dr. Mohd Bakhari bin Ismail, along with representatives from TLDM and the LMSB2 Project Team. Also in attendance were His Excellency Sazali bin Mustafa Kamal, Malaysian Ambassador to Turkey, and Mr. Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM.

The Steel Cutting Ceremony, symbolizing the start of the shipbuilding process, involves cutting the first steel plates for the ship’s construction. The LMSB2 project is based on the ADA-class corvette design, chosen by TLDM through a Government-to-Government Memorandum of Understanding (G2G). STM has been appointed as the principal contractor for the project. The ADA-class corvette is currently in service with the Turkish Navy and Pakistan Navy, with additional ships under construction or undergoing testing for the Pakistan Navy and Ukrainian Navy.

The LMSB2 vessel is designed with multidimensional warfare capabilities, including anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-air warfare (AAW), and electronic warfare (EW). It will significantly enhance TLDM’s combat and operational capabilities. The ship will be equipped with advanced weapon systems and high-tech sensors to support maritime operations and safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.

Construction of the LMSB2 is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with delivery to TLDM planned shortly thereafter.

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About MILGEM project / Royal Malaysian Navy LMS Batch 2 corvettes

The Ada-class, as part of the MILGEM project, represents the first national ship-building project staged in Turkey. Its goal was to build a modern littoral combat ship with indigenous anti-submarine warfare and high-seas patrol capabilities, extensively using the principles of stealth technology in its design.

The Ada-class Corvette boasts capabilities encompassing the determination, location, classification, identification, and destruction of air, surface, and underwater targets, along with the provision of Naval Gunfire Support. Beyond its offensive capacities, Corvettes excel in evading potential threats while executing maritime operations such as surveillance and patrol, safeguarding coastal areas and infrastructure, as well as overseeing and monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones.

The class is designed to embark on a 10-ton helicopter with platform, hangar and extensive service and handling equipment. Helicopter operations can be performed at sea state 4. A MILGEM corvette is designed to accommodate 106 sailors including the flight crew. The total accommodation is 108 including sickbay.

Milgem-class are multipurpose corvettes able to conduct a wide a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare.

LMS Batch 2 Main specifications:

• Displacement: 2500 tonnes
• Length: 99, 56m
• Beam: 14.42m
• Draft: 3.9m
• Propulsion: CODAG (1 GE LM2500 gas turbine and 2 diesel engines)
• Max Speed: 26 knots
• Range: 4000 nautical miles at 14 kts
• Crew: 111
• Weapon: 1x gun 76 mm; 2x 12,7mm STAMP; 8 × Atmaca; 30 mm Aselsan Smash, 4-cell quad pack Haegung SAM, Gökdeniz CIWS