RCI not a determinant of LCS1's completion, says Khaled

Kota Tinggi: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin clarified that the completion of the Royal Malaysian Navy's first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS1) should not be contingent upon the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to examine delays in the project. The Ministry is currently in talks with various shortlisted countries in search of a supplier for surface-to-surface missiles to replace Norway's Naval Strike Missile (NSM), aiming to expedite the ship's full armament without undue delays.

At present, LCS1 is already outfitted with surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems, and target detection capabilities. However, the surface-to-surface missile system is still under negotiation to ensure the ship can carry out maritime defense duties more effectively. Addressing proposals from several MPs from the government and opposition to establish an RCI into the LCS project's delay, Khaled emphasized that the inquiry process should not be conflated with efforts to hasten the ship's completion.

He also highlighted that the Ministry representatives have been dispatched to several potential supplier countries to secure an alternative missile system. Khaled underscored the significance of the surface-to-surface missile capability for LCS1 to engage maritime targets from a distance in the event of conflict, stressing that it is essential to complete the ship's combat capabilities alongside the existing weapon systems and operational capabilities.