STM launches third Malaysian littoral mission ship in Turkey

The Turkish defense shipbuilder STM has launched the third and final vessel in a series of three Tunku-class littoral mission ships (LMSB2) being constructed for the Royal Malaysian Navy. The vessel, named KD Tunku Osman Jewa, was launched at the Istanbul Shipyard in Turkey.

As the prime contractor, STM is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, including design, project management, procurement, system integration, and integrated logistics support. The three ships in this batch consist of the KD Tunku Osman Jewa, KD Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil, and KD Raja Laut.

Each vessel measures 99.56 meters in length, has a displacement of 2,500 tonnes, and reaches a maximum speed of 26 knots. The ships are equipped to carry 111 personnel and feature an armament suite including a 76mm naval gun, a 30mm remote-controlled stabilized gun, Atmaca anti-ship missiles, and K-SAAM surface-to-air missiles. They also include a helicopter deck and chaff dispensers. The vessels are expected to undergo sensor integration, weapon system installation, and sea acceptance trials before being officially handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy by the end of next year.