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SHAH ALAM – The delivery of Malaysia’s first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 1), originally scheduled for December, has been postponed to April 2027, with the Defence Ministry expressing disappointment over the contractor’s performance.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS), the contractor responsible for building the vessel, had informed the ministry that it could no longer meet its commitment to deliver LCS 1 in December.
He said Lunas had set a new delivery date of April 2027, with several construction works still incomplete.
“I have been informed by the contractor that they are unable to fulfil their original commitment and assurance that LCS 1 could be delivered in December.
“Instead, LUNAS has set a new date, stating that LCS 1 is expected to be delivered in April 2027, which is approximately six months from now.
“On behalf of Mindef, representing the Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), we are deeply saddened, disappointed and uncomfortable with the performance of the LCS construction entrusted to Lunas,” he said.
Khaled said the outstanding construction work had affected subsequent processes, contributing to the latest delay.
He was speaking while winding up the ministry-level debate on the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) 2/2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The minister also stressed that the Defence Ministry’s role in the LCS project was as a customer, not the contractor responsible for building the ships.
He said the distinction should be understood by all parties and that responsibility for the construction should not be placed solely on the ministry.
“We must understand that the Defence Ministry is the customer, not the contractor. We are not building the ship.
“The changes to the completion date and this delay will inevitably affect the readiness of the Armed Forces as well as national defence,” he said.