View Comments (1)

• stanman says:
  January 19, 2015 at 6:57 pm

  Jebat SLEP….FLAADS(M) looks like the shizzle.
  DavidDCM says:
  January 19, 2015 at 3:38 am

  By the way, has the Pari been repaired already? Or did they change their mind?

  Reply
  Its been repaired already operational
  Ferret says:
  January 10, 2015 at 10:34 am

  “grazing incident involving KD Kelantan and KD Mahawangsa at the Lumut Naval Base”

  I’ve not heard the latest news. Court-martial?

  I hope they get the ASW helis and Laksamana SLEP approved. ASW helis are important not only to train the aviators but also surface and, more importantly, submarine crews.

  Reply
  Not sure about any court martial, but the CO was transferred out and a new one appointed.
  azlan says:
  January 10, 2015 at 12:42 am

  Marhalim,

  The Philips fire director has long been pencened off. Yes, Mirador is also used to direct the 57mms on the Kasturi class, just like Contraves electro/optical sight and the Mauser on the Kedahs class. It’s a pity the LCS won’t have a sight on the bridge.
  azlan says:
  January 9, 2015 at 10:47 pm

  The Bofors Mk1s can be linked to a fire director, e.g. the ones in the Indera Sakti were linked to a Naja.
  azlan says:
  January 9, 2015 at 10:44 pm

  Kubai,

  To really do night terrain hugging, one would need a radar with a terrain avoidance mode. The radar on the 200’s are the same as on the F-16A but I’m not sure if it has a terrain hugging/avoidance mode.
  AM says:
  January 9, 2015 at 10:40 pm

  …

  To your suggestion to re-use the 57mm guns, I am not sure if the FAC’s old guns are can be aimed by radar or EO (ie direct optical sighting from within the turret only).

  Reply
  I believe the 57mm guns on the Handalan class are controlled by the Philips 9LV 212 radar used with 9LV 228 Mk2 fire control system and the optronic AA fire control system. Not sure about the other two type FACs though but they could be slaved to fire using an EO if its installed. Though I was not briefed exactly about it, it appears that the 57mm guns on the Kasturi and Lekir are now using the Mirador EO for AA/Anti-surface duties.
  ... says:
  January 9, 2015 at 10:10 pm

  Returning to the MSC

  The navy should also look to reuse some equipment from the FACs as a cost saving measure. To remove and refit bofors 57mm guns from the FAC to the MSC should not be a big problem.
  azlan says:
  January 9, 2015 at 10:02 pm

  Mofaz,

  The LCS needs an organic ASW helo. The LCS would first detect a contact and the helo would move in to localise it. MPA’s would also be useful but conduct their ASW searches in a slightly different manner and at longer ranges. Both complement each other but are not a substitute.
  Kubai says:
  January 9, 2015 at 9:12 pm

  Forgot to add…
  Azlan, that is an interesting info on the MKIs…
  I believe our Hawks do terrain hugging flight regularly because if i am not mistaken, sometime back one of the 9sqn Hawks nipped a high tension cable in Sabah.. I was in Labuan then and the semenanjung expats there were laughing about it..
  Kubai says:
  January 9, 2015 at 9:05 pm

  Yeah, what happened to Indrapura replacement. The existing logistics are overworked.

  If we can’t get new hulls, We should have grabbed Largs Bay when RN released it. Note that Sirrocco is about to be released soon. We missed on the Foudre earlier.

  We should consider looking at some of the SDSR and EDA listing to get some good second hand stuffs.
  mofaz says:
  January 9, 2015 at 8:42 pm

  Rather than getting 6 ASW Helis , why not get 6 MPA example C-295 with ASW capabilities, the MPAs can do maritime patrol for longer range and indurance..the MPAs can coordinate ASW with the navy vessels with the Super Lynxs..

  Reply
  MPAs are a different requirement altogether
  RedSot says:
  January 9, 2015 at 7:10 pm

  Due to lack of fund it is good enough if the samudra class could be expanded,no rocket science weaponry guns will do… we need hulls to tell the other navy hey we are here…built up a good quantity of hulls than only we talk about arming them when money is available..simple plans always works..just thinking out loud
  Ahmad Zaki says:
  January 9, 2015 at 4:52 pm

  Pls correct me if I am wrong. I thought that the Super Lynx is an ASW capable or it’s just an armed helo with FNH M3M Browning HMG?

  Thank you.

  Reply
  Our Super Lynx could be armed with torpedoes to attack submarines but it lacked the dipping sonar to track and execute the firing. The firing could be done in concert with a ship with an ASW suite. It could be armed with the Sea Skua missiles and the guns of course.
  azlan says:
  January 8, 2015 at 10:52 pm

  Something interesting I picked up elsewhere. It seems because the MKI is derived from the Su-27 (an interceptor designed to fly at high altitudes) its body (and Bars radar) has low stress tolerance levels and can’t perform low level terrain hugging flights – this apparently is one reason why the IAF is so desperate to sign the Rafale deal within the next few months. Off course the MKI has no problems performing precision standoff attacks, which will be from higher altitudes.
  Strength says:
  January 8, 2015 at 10:13 pm

  Appreciate you guest posting Marhalim. Can’t wait…
  Understand & thank you for sharing yr view on the Hamilton Azlan.
  azlan says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:54 pm

  Strength,

  A ship laid down in the 60’s? No thank you.

  We were lucky with the Inderapura. The engines, generator and other systems were in top condition – the same might not apply to other pre- used, high mileage ships we get.
  AM says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:29 pm

  …,

  I found the reasoning on presence cruises bewildering. Presence does not work just by being present per se, but by having some force to project if necessary. With forces barely adequate to defend the homeland I wonder how inspiring such token presence can be. Including to the “Malays” in the Cocos Islands, which puzzles me as well because we have nothing to do with them, as a country that minds its own business. It seems to provoke suspicion that we have no intention to provoke.

  Not to judge prematurely though, I am looking forward to reading your post.

  Reply
  The guest post tomorrow will be about the Laksamana SLEP. As for the Hamilton proposal, it will be the next one.
  Tomahawk says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:23 pm

  Forgot to say. The LMV will be using Venus USV.
  Strength says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:03 pm

  …
  Will be very interesting to see the graphics on all 3 ships, Laksamana, specially the Hamilton & Makasar, who know maybe The Philippines might be interested ;-)
  Why not for Malaysia? The Hamilton might be old but she is serving The Philippines & other navies well.
  azlan says:
  January 8, 2015 at 8:45 pm

  AM,

  I was referring to RAM and MM-40. Both have been integrated. Something like SADRAL won’t be an issue as it’s a stand alone system and just as vital, non deck penetrating.

  About the grazing incident which someone mentioned. Taking a ship out to sea from the dock might sound simple but us not. The CO and bridge crew have to be experienced as things can easily go wrong. Even if the CO is not at fault he will ultimately be held responsible by virtue of being the CO.
  ... says:
  January 8, 2015 at 8:25 pm

  @ marhalim

  Well it is my answer to my own question of a low cost way to replace the capability of the current kd hang tuah, with the ability for long range ocean patrol (10,000nm), large size, as a show of presence in the Indian ocean/pacific ocean east of sipadan. SLEP will be done in malaysia as a way to harness all the TOT (and as a proof of all the TOTs to the rakyat) of naval shipbuilding that we done. Frequent patrol of the Indian ocean will include stops at cocos (keeling) island, as a show of support of malaysia for the malays living there (well that is just me)

  Reply

  Oh, ok. But I dont think getting 50+ year old vessels is the way to go, even if its cheap.
  ... says:
  January 8, 2015 at 6:14 pm

  My other ship designs/ modifications I did in my free time

  Maybe you could add to your post, or maybe not… Up to you marhalim…

  Reply
  I will use it for the next guest posting. I understand the Makasar class but USCG Hamilton class?
  AM says:
  January 8, 2015 at 12:40 pm

  The Singapore LMV is heavily influenced by the DCNS L’Adroit. Hangar under the 360 degree bridge, conical radar housing above, dual open RHIB berths aft of the helipad, length and beam (87,11m vs 80,12m), crew size (30 each). Not surprising as the RSN is a DCNS customer and some commonality with the frigates would make sense.
  Encik Adrian says:
  January 8, 2015 at 10:12 am

  Even if the SLEP has no intention of adding missiles and torps back into the Laksamana maybe some new capabilities like Mirador and Scaneagle UAV in the rear might be cool.
  ... says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:46 am

  @ tomahawk

  I may not know exact assumptions that the rsn makes in designing the lmv. But what I see the lmv is a quite different operational priority than normal corvettes like the laksamana, which is basically a compact frigate with most of frigate functions and weaponry for shallow water operations. So im asking should the missile strike corvette concept for rmn gravitate towards something in operational concept of the lmv or from what I see from the DSME concept is a conventional missile corvette?

  Reply

  I accidentally deleted your comment with the graphic of the SLEP for Laksamana. Will you resend it to me with some text regarding your proposed design. I will use it a guest post.
  ZekMR says:
  January 8, 2015 at 9:04 am

  Quite modest wish list,

  carefully prepared yet still
  covered a larger spectrum
  for TLDM to be a maritime
  force with a decently blue water navy
  capabilities.
  syahril says:
  January 7, 2015 at 11:57 pm

  What happen to kd kelantan n kd mahawangsa? What i remember major incident last year involving kd jebat (accident with tongkang) n kd mahamiru (during maintenance at BNS)?

  Reply
  The incident at BNS was KD Mutiara it was flooded while undergoing a refit. KD Kelantan grazed KD Mahawangsa while at the Lumut jetty.
  Tomahawk says:
  January 7, 2015 at 11:17 pm

  @ ….

  Do you really think the LMV actual purpose to shoot pirate and insurgent with hell-fire or spike missile? I leave that question open..

  Reply
  I saw the model at IMDEX, I believe there is enough space for at least six ASM missiles. The SRGM are small, their box launchers could be placed anywhere along the hull.
  Tomahawk says:
  January 7, 2015 at 11:12 pm

  RSN LMV SRGM? My guess Spike NLOS(>25km) or Jumper missile (>50km). For point defence sistem..i think Barak or Sea Ceptor. As far as I hear it depend on the module and there is also an antiship module which mean it can equip with harpoon if need be like antimine module.

  But basic littoral starting model that we will see more or less a SRGM and point defend missile system with Ote Melara Super Rapid and Typhoon 25mm cannon and small guns. Maybe we will also see the LMV with mine sweeping module with VENUS anti-mine USV.

  The next major purchase for RSN apart from this JMMS LHD and Type 218SG submarine is the replacement for Victory class. Most probably air defence frigates.
  nimitz says:
  January 7, 2015 at 11:03 pm

  Grazing incident & Bridge simulator training. Wow. AFAIK port/harbour traffic have its controller and pilot to avoid collision in harbour waterways. Whatever it is, corrective action by deploying harbour tugs is ok.
  mofaz says:
  January 7, 2015 at 10:47 pm

  Could Brimstones missile system be the solution for proposed missile corvettes. They are design for multiple small targets and fire & forget type..

  Reply
  Could be if there is a RMN requirement for it.
  AM says:
  January 7, 2015 at 10:47 pm

  “In theory, fitting the missiles to the Kedak won’t be too leceh at its mostly “plug and play” and integration to the CMS has been done.”

  I would stress the”in theory” part. It would be hard to integrate a missile that has not been chosen.

  Singapore LMV: The RSN Vict we class corvette has Barak SAMs and Harpoon. The LMV is larger and they might give it at least the same armament.
  azlan says:
  January 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm

  P.S

  There is no intention to fit new missiles on the Laksamana. It is felt that there is little point spending more than the minimum to keep them operational for a decade or more, in order to perform low threat patrol and escort duties.
  Cheam1972 says:
  January 7, 2015 at 10:17 pm

  What happen to the requirement for Multi Role Support Ship to replace KD Sri Inderapura?

  Reply
  No longer a priority
  azlan says:
  January 7, 2015 at 10:12 pm

  The corvette will not have a hangar or an embarked helo but the landing deck will be handy for re-supply and MEDEVAC. Ideally, a UAV will be operated from the landing deck. I would be surprised if there will be any more guns apart from the 30mm forward of the landing deck, the main gun in the A position and a pair of pintle mounted GPMGs. Their roles will be similar to the FACs – routine patrols in the EEZ and waterways; escort work and sea denial.

  I will be very surprised the Kedahs get RAM. A more likely possibility are MANPADS/V-SHORADS on a stabilised mount in the B position.

  I suspect the SLEP for the Laksamanas will mainly consist of new fire directors and internal work. Funny enough, the CMS on 2 have been upgraded and a new jammer was fitted. I have been inside a Laksamana – very 1980’s vintage.
  ... says:
  January 7, 2015 at 9:38 pm

  Adoi tertekan post kat comment atas. Xhabis type lagi…

  It is also good to know that the navy is looking to do SLEP on the laksamanas (wether they get it or not is another matter). Long thought to be unfavoured by the navy maybe a new look towards Littoral areas (instead of dominance to the edge of the eez offshore thinking in the 90s and early 2000s) makes the navy take a second look to the laksamanas, and recapitalise the fac fleet with missile corvettes (remembered the previous navy chiefs that wanted to move out of the fac business altogether, leaving the territorial waters to the mmea and police)

  Will the SLEP arm the laksamanas with new ASM and SAMS to replace the expired otomat and aspides? Maybe common missiles with the gowind is the way to go?

  Reply
  No idea yet to what kind of things to be installed on the Laksamanas.
  ... says:
  January 7, 2015 at 9:26 pm

  @ marhalim

  The singaporean LMV is not armed with a ASM. Instead it is listed to be armed with SRGM, short range guided missiles, probably hellfire or similar I suppose. So it is designed to take the fight to insurgents and such on small high speed boats. Thats what I meant, would it be more useful in the traditional corvette style like the laksamana, or something more tuned to fight pirates, insurgents, terrorists and such…
  Encik Adrian says:
  January 7, 2015 at 9:19 pm

  Laksamana SLEP? I thought they destined to be gunboats? Maybe standardizing on CMS (I hope) eg integrating Setis with NSM? Or does that make too much sense?

  Reply
  Some of the things they need to upgrade if they want the boats to be in service past 2020 even as gunboats…
  azlan says:
  January 7, 2015 at 9:14 pm

  In theory, fitting the missiles to the Kedak won’t be too leceh at its mostly “plug and play” and integration to the CMS has been done.

  “Underwater Surveillance System” probably means hydrophones and other sensors to detect swimmers and mini subs/submersibles. It was unexpected. We were offered something similar by a Swede firm in the early 2000’s.
  ... says:
  January 7, 2015 at 9:04 pm

  8 new missile corvettes…

  If they get this on top of the big ticket Sgpv programme, other services would be very envious.

  The main question is:

  1. at which size spectrum are the corvettes would be ideal as a replacement of the fast attack crafts? More to the smaller side similar to the laksamana, or to the bigger side like the kedah class?

  2. What kind of role would it be fine tuned for? Armoured and with lots.of guns to be in a firefight with insurgents like the kirams? Littoral dominace with high speed and agility to take on large ships in narrow and shallow waters?

  3. What kind of missiles the navy wants? Will it have surface to air missiles too?

  4. Does it really need a helicopter on board? Or something like the scan eagle or camcopter uav would do?

  5. Does it really need to be a missile corvette in the 1st place? Or something like the singapore navy Littoral mission vessel or Austal MRV 80 would be more useful?

  6. Is there a study done of uparming the kedah and buying 8 lightly armed patrol ships instead of leaving the kedah as is and getting 8 missile corvettes?

  Reply
  I have no answer to most of your questions yet apart yes the navy is looking to replace its FAC fleet. The chief had said in the past they want something bigger than 75 metres (training ships) and something about 85 metres, yes something like the DSME corvettes. The Singapore LMV is to be fitted with ASM missiles, what is the question. As for the Kedah class, even though there is nothing specific about the Kedah class, if the RMN request to get new missiles, ASMs it will not be difficult to put some on those ships since they are already wired for it. SAM likes the RAM as originally planned will be slightly difficult as it is not a common user item especially the launcher.
  rocks says:
  January 7, 2015 at 8:13 pm

  8 korvet baru?wow,,jd dlm masa 5-6 tahun total TLDM akan ada 22 kapal sekelas frigate & korvet! (tidak termasuk upgraded 6 kedah class jd korvet)

  6 gowind frigate
  2 lekiu frigate
  2 kasturi frigate
  8 new korvet
  4 laksamana korvet

  Reply
  Its still up in the air, this is what they want. Whether or not it will happen is another thing.
  Syarif says:
  January 7, 2015 at 7:04 pm

  Hmmm, no arming of the Kedah class OPV.

  Reply
  Yes nothing specific about that but it may be included when they order new missiles.