SHAH ALAM: UK company SEA has secured a contract extension with Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas) to supply its fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The agreement, the company announced on March 13, will see five Maharaja Lela-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) equipped with the advanced lightweight torpedo launcher capability, significantly enhancing the littoral water defence of the RMN.

The contract for the TLS was originally awarded J+S Ltd in 2014, which was later acquired by SEA in the same year. The contract was for six TLS and its associated equipment.

According to a SEA press release published in 2017, the first TLS had passed factory acceptance tests. The company said it worked with Kuala Lumpur-based project engineering managers Budi Axis Sdn Bhd to achieve acceptance of the first weapons handling system in country. Budi Axis is the company that was awarded the contract to supply acoustic hailing devices for six CB90s fast combat boats attached to the Markas Wilayah Laut 2 based in Sandakan. Malaysian Defence story on the torpedoes for the LCS.

In the same release SEA stated that the delivery of the first system was scheduled for 2017 with the final system due for delivery in 2021. The torpedo launchers will comprise a pair of triple configuration, composite tubes mounted just aft of midships on the 111m ships. They are compatible with all lightweight NATO standard-sized torpedoes.

The company also said all six sets of handling systems will be manufactured in Malaysia, while production of the system electronics will also be progressively manufactured in Malaysia over the six ship sets (this was before the LCS numbers were cut to five). It is unclear though whether the local production of the TLS and its accessories were done in Malaysia.

The release on SEA website accessed on March 14.

SEA has secured a contract extension with Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) to supply its fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The fixed triple configuration TLS will enhance the Maharaja Lela-class LCS anti-submarine warfare capability, providing a powerful, adaptable, and reliable system that ensures the RMN remains mission-ready. The TLS system is weapon-agnostic, allowing compatibility with a range of lightweight torpedoes, while its compact design simplifies maintenance and extends its operational lifetime.

Chris Bennett, Head of TLS at SEA, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Lumut Naval Shipyard to deliver our advanced triple configuration Torpedo Launcher System for the Royal Malaysian Navy. This contract highlights our commitment to providing advanced, reliable, and adaptable solutions tailored to meet both immediate and longer-term needs for navies around the world. By enhancing Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities and supporting the development of its domestic defence industry, we continue to strengthen our presence in the Asia-Pacific region and build strategic partnerships to meet the demands of modern navies.”

The TLS forms a critical part of a wider programme of upgrades to the Royal Malaysian Navy, as it continues to modernise its fleet in response to evolving maritime threats.

Captain Rosnizam Che Puteh, Director of LCS Project at Lumut Naval Shipyard, said:
“The integration of SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System will significantly enhance the defensive and operational capabilities of the Maharaja Lela-class LCS. We look forward to working closely with SEA’s experienced team to ensure the successful delivery of this advanced system. This partnership not only enhances the RMN’s capabilities but also supports LUNAS in delivering world-class solutions to Malaysia’s defence sector.”

— Malaysian Defence

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