IRIA News

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Turkish defense company STM hosted a keel-laying ceremony in Istanbul for three new corvettes being built for the Royal Malaysian Navy under the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch-2 program.

The event marks a significant milestone in the growing defense partnership and represents Turkey’s first export of a corvette to the Asia-Pacific region.

The vessels, based on the proven ADA-class design, are being tailored to meet Malaysia’s maritime defense needs and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027. Once operational, the ships will enhance the Royal Malaysian Navy’s ability to carry out a wide range of missions, including anti-surface, anti-air, asymmetric warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

STM is serving as the main contractor, leading the design, construction, integration, and delivery of the vessels. The company also provides logistics support throughout the project. Construction is taking place in Turkey with contributions from Turkish defense firms, reinforcing domestic industry involvement in international defense exports.

Features and armaments

The LMS Batch-2 corvettes are designed with advanced naval capabilities. They will feature a stealthy hull to minimize radar detection, high maneuverability, and a displacement of approximately 2,500 tons. Each vessel will be 99.5 meters long and capable of reaching speeds over 26 knots.

They are powered by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system that includes four diesel engines. With a cruising range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles and an endurance of 14 days, the ships are well-suited for extended operations in the region. Each ship will accommodate 111 personnel and support helicopter operations, complete with a hangar and refueling facilities.

The ships’ armament will integrate systems from multiple countries. The primary weapon will be the Italian-made Leonardo 76mm naval gun, backed by a Turkish Aselsan Smash 30mm secondary gun.

The corvettes will also be outfitted with Roketsan Atmaca surface-to-surface missiles and South Korean Haegung surface-to-air missiles. These weapons will be supported by decoy launchers and advanced electronic warfare systems to enhance survivability.

The onboard combat systems will include a 3D surveillance radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, electro-optical fire control radar, target designation sights, and a comprehensive combat management system developed by Turkish defense software firm Havelsan. These systems are designed to give the vessels enhanced situational awareness and fire control in complex maritime environments.

The LMS Batch-2 program is the result of a defense agreement signed between the Turkish and Malaysian governments in June 2024. Following the steel-cutting ceremony last December, this keel-laying event demonstrates steady progress in the project’s timeline and reflects the strengthening defense ties between the two nations.

Breakthrough for Turkish defense industry

This deal is widely seen as a significant breakthrough for Turkey’s defense export ambitions, especially in Southeast Asia. It also positions Turkey as a growing player in the global naval shipbuilding sector, offering modern and cost-effective solutions to partner countries.

The Royal Malaysian Navy, which has been working to modernize and expand its fleet, sees the LMS Batch-2 corvettes as a core element of its future capabilities. These vessels are expected to boost the navy’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges in the South China Sea and other strategic waterways.

The partnership also highlights Malaysia’s interest in diversifying its defense procurement beyond traditional suppliers. By engaging with Turkey, Malaysia gains access to advanced technologies and benefits from a government-to-government framework that ensures strategic continuity and collaboration.

As construction progresses, both countries are expected to continue close technical and diplomatic cooperation. The LMS Batch-2 project not only strengthens bilateral defense ties but also sets the stage for broader collaboration in defense technology, training, and regional maritime security.