Malaysia’s initial Maharaja Lela – class littoral combat ship has left its berth for initial sea trials as construction milestones were also reached on the program’s third vessel, signaling renewed momentum in the long-delayed naval project.
A clip released by state – owned Lumut Naval Shipyard shows the lead ship, the KD Maharaja Lela (2501), being towed from the harbor as part of final preparations ahead of trials.
Its departure follows dockside checks and marks a key step toward operational testing, according to Asian Military Review.
At the same time, Lumut published a time – lapse video highlighting progress on the third ship in the class, the KD Sharif Masahor (2503).
The footage documents major development phases and shows the completion of the vessel’s upper structure, along with the installation of key external features.
Its pennant number was also marked, formally identifying it within the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet.
The second hull in the series, the KD Raja Muda Nala (2502), remains at the company’s facility and continues outfitting work.
Progress Sustained
Kuala Lumpur’s Maharaja Lela program has remained under sustained public and parliamentary scrutiny after years of delays and cost overruns.
The project was launched in 2011 but stalled several years later, prompting a government investigation and a temporary suspension before work resumed in 2020.
Lawmakers are scheduled to visit the Lumut center in Perak later this month to review progress, reinforcing the fleet’s role in the government’s naval modernization plans.
Through the 2030s, the Southeast Asian country plans to adopt five Maharaja Lela warships, with the first vessel expected to be commissioned in 2026.
Modern Littoral Combat Ship
The Maharaja Lela design measures 111 meters (364 feet) long and has a 16 – meter (52 – foot) beam.
It will be able to carry up to 130 personnel, unmanned aerial systems, and maritime helicopters.
The surface combatant is set to be equipped with a 57 – millimeter gun, 30 – millimeter automatic cannons, various types of missiles, and anti – submarine torpedoes.
It will sail using four 9,900-horsepower engines for a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometers/5,753 miles) and a top speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers / 32 miles per hour).
- The Defense Post