Khaled: Malaysia eyes strong defence industry ties with Turkiye

ISTANBUL: Malaysia sees strong potential to further strengthen defence cooperation with Turkiye through knowledge exchange and technology transfer, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said Turkiye’s remarkable journey towards defence self-reliance serves as a powerful example of what strategic vision, national commitment and industrial determination can achieve.

He said the construction of the three Littoral Mission Ship Batch 2 (LMSB2) vessels marks a historic milestone in defence cooperation between Malaysia and Turkiye.

“As our first government-to-government collaboration in warship procurement for the Royal Malaysian Navy, it stands as a testament to the deep trust between our two nations. Especially today, when trust is among the most precious commodities in international relations and nowhere is it more vital than in defence diplomacy.

“Malaysia is therefore deeply grateful to Turkiye, not only for its technical excellence, but for proving itself to be a trusted partner that has honoured its commitments and agreements,” he said in his speech at the naming and launching ceremony of the first LMSB2 vessel for the RMN at the Istanbul shipyard here today.

The ceremony was graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.

The vessel was named KD Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil in honour of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil, the fourth child of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Raja Zarith Sofiah.

Tunku Abdul Jalil was the first member of the Johor royal family in modern history to hold the title of “Laksamana” (Admiral).

The name commemorates the late prince’s courage, resilience and fighting spirit, reflected through the slogan “Fight Like Jalil”, as well as his charitable legacy through the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation.

Khaled said Malaysia views the partnership with optimism and clear determination to strengthen the local defence industry.

He said the vessels, built on Turkiye’s proven ADA-class design, will significantly enhance Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities and support the RMN’s 15-to-5 Transformation Plan.

“I am pleased to see that the project is progressing on track. I am confident that with the dedication shown by the Royal Malaysian Navy Project Team, STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik), and Istanbul Shipyard, all three vessels will be delivered successfully by the end of 2027.

“This is a success worth celebrating for the Royal Malaysian Navy, for the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Turkiye, and for global peace,” he added.

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المصدر: New Straits Times