LUMUT, 21 May 2026 (The Capital Post) — Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme has achieved an overall physical progress of 77.46 per cent as of April 2026, according to Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin during a working visit to Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).
The visit focused on reviewing the latest developments of the project, including the progress of each LCS vessel currently under construction.
According to the Defence Ministry, LCS1 is currently undergoing sea trials as part of the final verification phase before proceeding to Sea Acceptance Trials with the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).
Meanwhile, LCS2 is scheduled to conduct its maiden voyage in the fourth quarter of this year.
For LCS3, the vessel is currently in an intensive construction phase, while LCS4 is expected to undergo its first downslip process by the end of the year.
LCS5 also continues to record stable progress following the successful installation of four Main Diesel Generators as well as the implementation of the Factory Acceptance Test for its Combat Management System.
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The ministry said the Littoral Combat Ship programme remains on track according to the delivery schedule previously announced in Parliament, with LCS1 expected to be delivered in December 2026.
At the same time, the programme also reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the national defence industry, with approximately 30 per cent local components utilised in the project so far, helping to enhance domestic capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Also present during the visit were Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy Ithnain and senior management representatives from Lumut Naval Shipyard.
The information was shared via the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia. – The Capital Post
