SHAH ALAM: As reported previously, KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin – pennant number 136 – has been delivered to the RMN after undertaking an extensive 32-month refit at the Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd, Lumut. Grade One Marine finally posted on the handing over today on its Facebook page though it stated Muhammad Amin underwent a routine scheduled maintenance or refit. And it did not post a single picture of the whole ship.
The post from Grade One Marine:
Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd (GOMSSB) has successfully completed the routine scheduled maintenance (refit) of KD LAKSAMANA MUHAMMAD AMIN at GOMSSB.
This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for GOMSSB, driven by innovative methods and the pursuit of new challenges in line with the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) vision and aspirations.
This refit was not just routine maintenance; it was a transformative effort. By re-hulling the ship and repowering critical government assets, KD LAKSAMANA MUHAMMAD AMIN has been given a new lease on life — reborn as a stronger and more capable warrior of the seas.
Beyond enhancing the company’s competence, we gained invaluable experience. This project has strengthened GOMSSB’s commitment to serving the nation and further developed the skills of our dedicated local talent workforce.
With the successful handover of KD LAKSAMANA MUHAMMAD AMIN to the RMN, GOMSSB expresses deep gratitude and pride. This process was more than ship maintenance — it proved what we can achieve with trust, innovation, and collaboration.
GOMSSB hopes this reborn warrior will continue to serve in the RMN’s inventory, ensuring the defense of our maritime readiness. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their unwavering support and dedication.
As the RMN posting on the handing over, Grade One also did not post many pictures of the ship itself apart from inside the ship itself and ones from the front of the ship. From the pictures of the model of the ship, one can surmise that most of the work was done on the hull (it was a rehulling after all) and most of the old superstructure remained intact. The aft deck which used to house the Otomat missile launchers is now fitted with a RHIB and a crane to lift it on and off the water. The Aspide SAM launcher which used to be fitted behind the mast and the Oto Breda 40mm cannons had been taken off the ship as well.
I am guessing that installation of the fire control system has not been completed hence the reluctance to give too much publicity to the ship itself.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (37)
So now it's just a gunboat?
It has been that way since five years ago and some say 10 years ago. That was the reason the four Laksamanas were among the first to be retired if the 15-to-5 plan did not went off rails.
Meh - ''So now it’s just a gunboat?''
Technically it's not a ''gunboat'' but a corvette. A ''gunboat'' would be something like the Vosper PCs or other hulls of smaller displacement intended mainly for a riverine or coastal role.
Yes as far back as 2013 the Laksamanas only had their GPMGs operational. During a visit to Lumut in 2013; noticed the torp tubes from a pair Laksamanas had already been transferred to the Kasturis which were just completing their SLEP. Subjecting the class to a full upgrade was not as seen as a god investment; given its age and other issues.
Tender baru Mindef upgrade avionic program C-130H
Picture of the new KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin and its crew, taken days before the handover
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GVesQtraMAU69Rw.jpg
Not many pictures on the handover day itself due to rain.
so sad laksamana with no aspide SAM and OTOMAT SSM
I am confused. If you go by the the RMN’s own definition in the new 15-5 infographics, the LMS Batch 2 is actually a corvette and this ship, Mohd. Amin 136 would either be a PC or LMS. Go figure.
There is nothing to be confused about the Laksamana when you check with the 15 to 5 plan. As I mentioned in the post, the Laksamanas would have been retired if the plan had not gone haywire.
The RMN struggled to upkeep the laksamanas corvette. How is it a warrior of the seas if almost all the armaments had been taken out. How would it defense itself if it cannot fire the even the deck gun. When the LMS B2 arrived & with the LCS 1 i guess bigger budget will be needed to maintain them or they also would ended up just like the laksamanas. Any news regarding the Mica for lcs? Or lunas has other plans for Sam?
its a corvette class gun boat
aralex - ''its a corvette class gun boat''
It's a corvette sized ship armed with guns .....
Tom Tom - ''the LMS Batch 2 is actually a corvette and this ship, Mohd. Amin 136 would either be a PC or LMS. ''
You said you were ''confused'' before and it was explained to you ... Why are you fixated on what's what? Has it not been explained to you that there's a very fine dividing line between what's a ''frigate and ''what's a ''corvette''; so on and so forth. All depends onn what particular navies want to call their ships.
Qamarul,
It did not “struggle”. Simple. By the mid 2010’s or so the class was already experiencing issues with the hulls and various other things which dated from the 1980’s. Spares was a major issue; plus the condition of the hulls. Rather then subject the whole class to an expensive upgrade which wasn’t seen as worth it, certain steps were taken in order for the class to remain in service to perform certain types of roles.By right the class would have been fitdrvto ve retired but circumstances were such.
If we go back to the very start; the RMN did not wanted the class but a political decision was made. People tend to get mesmerised with how heavily and he’s the ships were but they were all nerves fit operations in a different operational setting. From Day One there were various technical issues which were never resolved and being Italian; the ships had little to no commonality to what we already had.
Qamarul - ''How is it a warrior of the seas''
Apart from yourself who ever described it as such?