LANGKAWI: CMS upgrade for Lekiu class. There will be no contract signing for the upgrade of the Lekiu class frigates CMS on Wednesday, the contracts day at LIMA 19.
I have been told the Defence Ministry wants an open competition for the project especially if the CMS is developed locally. One such CMS is , the Vibrant 1. The navy wants to replace the BAE Systems Nautis, developed for the Lekiu class frigates. Vibrant 1 was developed with software provided by an Indian company and being promoted by T7 Global Bhd, an diversified company involved in oil and gas, construction and engineering.
Vibrant 1 CMS workstation.
Apart from the CMS, the company is also showcasing the workstations for the frigate’s combat information centre. T7 is also working with Chess Dynamics which manufactured the Sea Eagle electro direcor procured for the Lekiu class.
Chess Dynamics Sea Eagle FCEO selected for the Lekiu class frigates.
RMN had looked into getting a new version of the Nautis but deemed the cost quoted from BAE Sysems as too expensive. I was told that the cost include the re-wiring of both ships. The wiring will allow the integration of new systems, from radar and weapons.
With the Lekiu-class not expected to serve more than 10 years under the 15 to 5 plan this was not seen as a worthwhile investment.
#An earlier version of this post stated the contract for Vibrant 1 would signed at LIMA 19.
-Malaysian Defence
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So it is an upgrade to the Nautis? Or a new replacement CMS instead of the Nautis?
Existing CMS not able support coming 10 years time? Will an India CMS better than an UK CMS? I had no idea.
Reply
Obsolescence issues
Locally developed CMS? Great! Lets see how this works, and probably could be used on other navy ships later.
BTW the Lekius is quite young, only about 20 years in service with TLDM. If the future sees the Lekius no longer needed in 10 years time, what are we going to do with them? Sell them off to friendly countries? I dont see such an advanced ship to be passed on to APMM.
Is this truly locally developed or just a local rebrand?
Reply
The company says it developed locally
Tanjung Offshore Berhad..
@…
“I dont see such an advanced ship to be passed on to APMM.”
Could strip the electronics etc. But ships >30 years old usually need replacement due to increased operating costs.
The design already look outdated
how aboutr VL MICA?is it already being signed or not?
Chua,
Yes. The very reason the RMN wants to retire them in 10 years is because they are getting increasingly expensive and troublesome to maintain; due to old age. In 10 years time more parts will have to be replaced and the ships will get more maintenance intensive. Not worth the headache for a new owner.
It’s worst with the Laksamanas. Older and in much worst shape. If we offer them for free to anyone, they’ll beg us to keep them. Back to the Lekuis : I’m not convinced both will go in 10 years. Just like I’m convinced the 5-15 will die a natural death to changing circumstances in politics, threat perceptions and RMN leadership.
Will the Seawolf and Exocet remain operational after installation of this new CMS?
Reply
Unlikely
Gantzbyte,
True, it has a very 90’s look but so what? What’s important is both are operational and can continue to do what they’ve been doing since entering service. We also hope that in the coming years no vital parts of the ship need replacing on account of age or because the OEM ceases providing support.