DATA & FIGURES
The $2.55 billion project has been plagued by delays and mismanagement, with the original order of six ships scaled down to five. Each ship is expected to cost around $510 million. The programme has been delayed by nearly a decade, with the first ship initially due to arrive in 2019. More than 60% of Malaysia's naval fleet is now over 40 years old, driving up maintenance costs and straining operations.
THE SCENARIO
The South China Sea has become a critical region for Malaysia's maritime defence, with the country seeking to assert its claims and protect its interests. The arrival of the new warship is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the country's naval capabilities, but the lack of anti-ship missiles has raised concerns about its effectiveness. The Malaysian government is now facing a challenging task in finding a suitable replacement for the Naval Strike Missile system, with the clock ticking on the ship's delivery schedule.
DIRECT QUOTE
"The missile is not a minor component, it forms part of the ship's offensive combat capability and, by extension, its contribution to conventional naval deterrence." — Muhammad Syameer Luthfy Hamzah, Research Fellow at the International Islamic University of Malaysia
BBN INSIGHT
The Positive Side: The arrival of the new warship is a significant milestone for Malaysia's navy, marking a major upgrade in the country's maritime defence capabilities. The vessel's advanced systems and technology will enable the navy to better protect the country's interests in the South China Sea. The Negative Side: The lack of anti-ship missiles is a significant concern, as it limits the ship's effectiveness in combat situations. The delay in finding a suitable replacement for the Naval Strike Missile system has raised questions about the programme's viability and the Malaysian government's commitment to the project.