Navy’s eastern fleet needs combat ships, says admiral

 

Ships of the navy’s eastern fleet taking part in the operational sea training exercise off Sandakan. (RMN pic)

SANDAKAN: A fleet commander in the navy has called for priority to be given to building warships in the littoral combat ship (LCS) and littoral mission ship (LMS) projects.

Eastern fleet commander Vice-Admiral Sabri Zali said the fleet’s existing ships were non-combatant vessels which could only carry out patrols.

The acquisition of new vessels was critical for the navy to beef up the maritime defence capabilities.

He said the Royal Malaysia Navy had many times voiced its desire to acquire new assets through the ’15-to-5′ Transformation Plan, delayed due to the delay in the completion of the LCS.

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“RMN really hopes that the second batch of LMS will become a reality under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said after inspecting the Ostex sea training exercise in the waters of Sandakan today.

Sabri said the navy had received three of eight maritime helicopters, with the rest coming in stages. - FMT