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It’s the Ada class, the Malaysian variant, Part 3

TCG Kinaliada -514. As the LMS Batch 2 is an Ada class variant, the ship will look similar to the Kinaliada. Malaysian Defence picture.

SHAH ALAML After the two posts on the Ada class the Malaysian variant was published recently, the most questions were about whether the ship will be a full capable surface combatant or it will be just another Kedah class.

As I had answered in the comments section, the Malaysian variant of the Ada class will be a fully kitted out corvette complete with guns and missiles. RMN big-wigs when asked about it at DSA 2024 were adamant that the service did not want a repeat of what happened with the Kedah class. Simply said they are not willing to have another class of ships with fitted for but not paid equipment.

Model of the LMS Batch 2 at the RMN booth at DSA 2024. Malaysian Defence picture.

That said the decision for the missiles – surface to surface (SSM) and surface to air (SAM) – is still up in the air and will only be known once the final contract with STM of Turkiye is signed. The cheapest option is to arm the LMS Batch 2 with the missiles already selected for the LCS – NSM and the VL MICA. NSM has been paid for and is already available while the MICA is on the verge of contract signing.
MBDA CAMM (Sea Ceptor) and VL MICA at MBDA stand at DSA 2024. Both missiles remained in contention for the LMS Batch 2. MICA is already selected for the LCS. Malaysian Defence picture.

But as I had reported previously, the MBDA Sea Ceptor and the South Korean K-SAAM are still in the mix while the Roketsan Atmaca is an option for the SSM as well.
A mock-up of the K-SAAM. Wikipedia

The other question was whether the budget will be enough. Yes, I had written previously that the budget for the three ships will be some RM2.5 billion. Even the industry believed it was not enough as they proposed smaller designs. For context of the budget read the posts.
A model of the Atmaca at the Roketsan booth at DSA 2024. Malaysian Defence picture.

Again, I was told that the money was enough for the three ships. Again, it must be noted that the government furnished equipment – like the SSM and SAM – is not included in the ship-building cost. As the PMX government has decided to pick the biggest hull for the project, it is likely that it will ensure the funds – even extra ones – be made available.
The rear side of the LMS Batch 2 model which clearly the VLS. Malaysian Defence picture.

It is likely no one in Putrajaya will want a repeat of the LCS debacle especially in a government to government deal like this one.

— Malaysian Defence

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Marhalim Abas: Shah Alam

View Comments (71)

  • Hope So but the easiest and simplest thing is to arm the LMS batch 2 with the missiles that are already integrated and compatible with CMS right? doesnt require any additional integration fee..About CMS does our future LMS B2 will also use havelsan genesis CMS or what? Main radar is smart mk2? navigation radar?.With this LMS B2 purchase and RMN 15 to 5 realignment does RMN still need to uparm the Kedahs or spend the fund elsewhere like new ASW helos for LCS

  • This buy is done in context that we need ships urgently due to the delay with the Gowind LCS.

    But right now, looks likely that the ADA class ships will only be ready after the first few Gowinds will be in the water.

    So buying the ADA class ships does not solve the problem of us needing ships right now.

    Its like an intrim requirement being solved by buying permanent assets.

    Now with the HMAS ANZAC is to be retired, should we look at that instead?

  • Still prefer new ships compared to prevoled one though..if rmn willing to wait then why not..Lcs delay is not really RMN's fault,not really..If LCS going smoothly they still need this LMS but maybe not this urgent..But now the situation change

  • "So buying the ADA class ships does not solve the problem of us needing ships right now."

    Doesn't matter our navy still need more ship

  • Based on Ukrainian Ada which have minimum of 12x VL MICA, there is a possibility that, theoretically, can fit upto 8x K-VLS cells so that can carry up to 32x K-SAAM/ KM-SAM/Sea Ceptor(CAMM & CAMM-ER)

    If a towed array sonar and torpedo tubes and torpedoes is procurered in future, then the Ada has same capability (both sensors and weaponry) as LCS but reduced range. Hence a cheaper alternative to LCS.

    @Hulubalang
    RMN wanted ship fast, they willing to pay for higher price for already built Ada mainly due to it's from the same country/manufacturer, though with different engine and sensors (smart-s mk2 will still be in service though on LCS).

    When it's a different hull and from different country/manufacturer compared to Ada, then RMN will be more cautious.

    Yes alternative options like Anzac or Type 23 are available but risks and caveats still exist in real world as other people also reminded you before.

  • If we choose Sea Ceptor we will have 16 missiles right? But MICA we will have only 4 or 8 missiles?

  • 16 for LMS B2? that generous..the same sam missile count as LCS..kinda overkill for me..8-12 is good enough but if RMN 16 silos then why not..the more the merrier.Even Tni al's martadinata 'frigates' only have 12 silos orboard

  • Sea Ceptor is cold launch so can pack more missiles together ..any plan to replace the outdated sea wolf with Sea Ceptors ??
    Read some where we can accommodate almost double numbers of missiles in the existing sea wolf VLS ..

  • We won't get those ADA-class corvettes fast.

    It is another custom variant, not a current type that is fully tested out.

    Even if we sign the contract today, the lead time to buy all the steel, start fabrication, all the way to final trials will be at least 4 years before we get the ship. That is around 2028. Our 1st Gowind will be in the water in a weeks time.
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJKeibcbEAAQ9yK.jpg

    This is our gowind timeline
    https://www.malaysiandefence.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PAC4.jpeg

    Our first Gowind will be commissioned in August 2026. By August 2028, we will have 4 of the Gowinds commissioned.

    As for the ANZAC, what big risks compared to the ADA class when it is a practically a free ship, can be available immediately, has been recently upgraded with advanced Phased Array Radars, and has the missile that TLDM wants in the first place, the ESSM?
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_yJs8DVIAYG-ab.jpg

  • PNS Babur (Pakistan Navy Ada-class corvette) timeline

    Contract signing
    July 2018

    Keel laying
    June 2020

    Launch
    August 2021

    Commissioning
    September 2023