Malaysia has marked a significant development in its naval capabilities with the initial Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship, the KD Maharaja Lela (2501), departing its berth for preliminary sea trials. The ship, constructed at Lumut Naval Shipyard, was towed away from the harbor following thorough dockside checks, signaling a major step toward operational testing, as reported by Asian Military Review.
Alongside this milestone, Lumut Naval Shipyard has shared a time-lapse video showcasing the ongoing construction progress of the third vessel in the class, the KD Sharif Masahor (2503). The footage highlights the completion of its upper structure and the installation of key external features, including its pennant number, which formally identifies it within the Royal Malaysian Navy fleet.
The second ship in the series, the KD Raja Muda Nala (2502), remains under outfitting at Lumut, continuing the steady progress of the Maharaja Lela program, which has faced sustained scrutiny due to years of delays and escalating costs. Launched in 2011, the program encountered significant challenges, including a government investigation that led to a temporary work suspension before a resumption in 2020.
In a move to reinforce accountability, Malaysian lawmakers are set to visit the Lumut facility later this month to assess the ongoing progress of the naval project, highlighting its integral role in the government’s broader naval modernization initiatives.
The Maharaja Lela class is designed to enhance Malaysia’s maritime capabilities with a plan to acquire five warships by the 2030s. The first vessel is anticipated to be commissioned in 2026. Each ship in the class features a length of 111 meters (364 feet) and a beam of 16 meters (52 feet), capable of accommodating up to 130 personnel, unmanned aerial systems, and maritime helicopters.
Additionally, the vessels will boast advanced armaments, including a 57-millimeter gun, 30-millimeter automatic cannons, a variety of missiles, and anti-submarine torpedoes. Propelled by four 9,900-horsepower engines, the ships are designed to achieve a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 kilometers) and a top speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers per hour), marking a significant advancement in Malaysia’s naval defense capabilities.
