Malaysia weighs anti-ship missiles from four nations for LCS program
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysia is considering purchasing anti-ship missile systems (NSM) from four countries, including Turkey and South Korea.
- The Ministry of Defense is evaluating the missile systems' capabilities to ensure they match the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) requirements.
- Key factors in the decision include rapid delivery times (one to two years), cost, and advanced technologies like radar detection and firing methods.
Malaysia is actively evaluating anti-ship missile systems (NSM) from four potential countries, including Turkey and South Korea, for its Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. The Ministry of Defense is in the process of assessing various offers to ensure the selected missile systems meet the stringent requirements of the LCS.
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that while many countries have submitted proposals, the government is prioritizing factors beyond just the missile's capabilities. "Besides the short delivery time, the price of each missile will also be considered, along with other technologies such as radar detection and firing methods," he explained. The primary focus is on suppliers who can deliver within a one to two-year timeframe.
Besides the short delivery time, the price of each missile will also be considered, along with other technologies such as radar detection and firing methods.
The ministry aims to select a missile system that possesses all the necessary advanced features to effectively defend Malaysia's borders against any potential incursions. This includes evaluating technologies related to radar detection and the specific firing mechanisms employed by the missiles.
Mohamed Khaled made these remarks while attending the Southern Zone Armed Forces Family Day, themed the 7th Brigade Sports Carnival. He also commented on the importance of such family events, which aim to engage military personnel in beneficial activities during their leisure time, preventing them from engaging in unproductive pursuits.
This is to ensure its effectiveness in defending the country's borders from any encroachment.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.