Malaysia deepens defence ties with Türkiye as LMS Batch 2 programme launched in Istanbul
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ISTANBUL, May 25 — Malaysia has strengthened its defence-industrial cooperation with Türkiye through a series of engagements during the defence minister’s official working visit, which culminated in the naming and launching of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch 2.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the visit reflects growing trust and strategic cooperation between both countries, particularly in defence technology and industrial development.
“This is a significant milestone in Malaysia-Turkiye defence relations, built on trust and long-term cooperation,” he said during the ceremony at Istanbul Shipyard.
As part of the working visit, Khaled held meetings with Turkish defence industry players, including Otokar Otomotiv ve Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. and HAVELSAN, focusing on potential cooperation in defence systems, technology development and industrial collaboration.
In a separate engagement with HAVELSAN, Khaled was briefed on the company’s products, technologies and innovations, particularly in Combat Management Systems (CMS), simulation systems, artificial intelligence and decision-support tools for modern military operations.
HAVELSAN currently supplies the CMS for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s LMS Batch 2 programme.
The discussions also touched on potential strategic defence cooperation involving Boustead Holdings Berhad, aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s Defence Industry Policy and further deepening Malaysia-Turkiye defence relations.
The cooperation is aligned with Malaysia’s efforts to enhance local defence solutions, reduce reliance on foreign systems, and open opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in global supply chains.
Malaysia also noted Turkiye’s experience in building a self-reliant defence industrial base, which the minister described as a strong example of long-term strategic planning and national commitment.
He added that Malaysia sees strong potential to expand defence cooperation with Turkiye beyond the current programme, particularly in knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
The working visit culminated in the naming and launching ceremony of the first Royal Malaysian Navy Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch 2 at Istanbul Shipyard, attended by Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah, who served as Royal Sponsor for the vessel.
The first vessel in the series was named KD Tunku Abdul Jalil, in honour of the late Tunku Abdul Jalil, whose courage and resilience during his battle with cancer continues to be remembered nationally.
Khaled said the naming carries values that align closely with the ethos of the Royal Malaysian Navy, describing the ceremony as a significant naval tradition marking the formal transition of a ship from land to water and its official naming.
“This ceremony marks a significant naval tradition — the formal transition of a ship from land to water for the first time, and the official naming of the ship,” he said.
Built on Turkiye’s MILGEM ADA-class design, the LMS Batch 2 programme represents Malaysia’s first government-to-government warship procurement collaboration with Turkiye.
Khaled said the project forms part of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s 15-to-5 Transformation Plan, aimed at modernising its fleet structure and strengthening operational readiness.
He expressed confidence that the programme remains on track, with all three vessels expected to be delivered by the end of 2027.
“I am confident that with the dedication shown by the Royal Malaysian Navy Project Team, STM, and Istanbul Shipyard, all three vessels will be delivered successfully by the end of 2027,” he said.
Beyond the ship programme, Khaled said Malaysia and Turkiye share space for broader cooperation, particularly in knowledge exchange and technology transfer, which could help strengthen Malaysia’s local defence industry.
He added that the partnership reflects not only progress for both countries, but also contributes to wider maritime security and global peace.
المصدر: Malay Mail