STM Completes Rapid Launch Phase for Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Mission Ships

STM, a prominent entity within the Turkish defense industrial complex, has successfully concluded the launch phase for the three corvettes destined for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) under the Littoral Mission Ship Batch-2 (LMS Batch-2) Program. This significant achievement saw the entirety of the three-vessel order, representing Turkey’s inaugural corvette export to the Asia-Pacific region, brought to water within a mere four-month span.

The third and final vessel in the series, the TUNKU OSMAN JEWA, was ceremonially launched on August 9, 2026, at the Istanbul Shipyard. This milestone follows the successful launches of the first and second corvettes on May 24, 2026, and June 7, 2026, respectively. With the launch phase complete, the vessels will now undergo extensive outfitting, comprehensive system integration, and rigorous harbor and sea acceptance testing. Deliveries to the Royal Malaysian Navy are slated for completion by 2027.

The launching ceremony for TUNKU OSMAN JEWA was attended by high-ranking dignitaries, including the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, and the Sultana of Kedah, Sultanah Maliha binti Almarhum Tengku Ariff. Malaysian Chief of Defence Force, General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman, and Royal Malaysian Navy Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Datuk Badarudin bin Taha, were also present. Representing Turkey were Mr. Mustafa Murat Şeker, Vice President of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), Prof. Dr. İhsan Kaya, Deputy Chairman of SSB and Chairman of STM, and Mr. Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, alongside military delegations and industry representatives from both nations.

Mr. Mustafa Murat Şeker underscored Turkey’s advanced capabilities in naval shipbuilding during his address. “Guided by the vision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has cultivated a formidable and capable defense industry ecosystem through sustained commitment, investment, and innovation over many years,” Şeker stated. “Today, Turkey stands among an elite group of nations globally that can independently design, construct, and integrate systems for its own warships. This project, with STM as prime contractor, integrates high-technology systems developed by approximately 50 Turkish defense firms, including industry leaders such as ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and ROKETSAN. We anticipate these three corvettes, to be delivered next year, will serve the Royal Malaysian Navy effectively for decades, simultaneously symbolizing the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Turkey and Malaysia.”

General Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman highlighted Malaysia’s maritime identity and the strategic imperative of securing its waters. “These corvettes will significantly contribute to the phased modernization of our aging fleet and bolster the Royal Malaysian Navy’s capacity to safeguard our seas within an increasingly complex operational theatre,” the General affirmed. “The rapid progress of this program is a testament to the robust partnership between Malaysia and Turkey, hinting at future collaborative opportunities in defense. I extend my gratitude to STM, Istanbul Shipyard, the Royal Malaysian Navy Project Team, and all dedicated personnel involved. While a launch is a critical milestone, it is not the culmination of the journey. We must sustain this momentum to ensure all vessels are delivered by the close of 2027.”

Mr. Özgür Güleryüz, STM General Manager, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “This initiative marks a pioneering government-to-government (G2G) defense trade agreement between Turkey and Malaysia, and our nation’s inaugural corvette export to the Asia-Pacific region. We are immensely proud today to have launched the third and final vessel, TUNKU OSMAN JEWA. Successfully launching three corvettes within just four months represents a pivotal achievement. With the launch phase concluded, we now transition to outfitting, system integration, and the crucial harbor and sea acceptance tests. Our objective is to deliver all three ships to the Royal Malaysian Navy by 2027 with the same unwavering dedication and precision.”

The corvettes are named after distinguished figures in Malaysian history and defense. The first vessel, TUNKU LAKSAMANA ABDUL JALIL, honors a notable “Prince-Admiral.” The second, RAJA LAUT, acknowledges a significant figure in Selangor’s maritime and regional trade history. The recently launched third vessel, TUNKU OSMAN JEWA, bears the name of Malaysia’s third Chief of Defence Force, General (R) Tan Sri Tunku Osman Tunku Mohammad Jewa.

Turkey, through the MİLGEM project spearheaded by the Turkish Naval Forces and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), has ascended to the ranks of the ten global nations capable of independently designing and producing their warships. This capability, coupled with SSB’s export-oriented vision, now contributes significantly to the Turkish economy while simultaneously enhancing the defense capabilities of allied nations. The G2G Memorandum of Understanding for Defense Product Procurement and the Letter of Acceptance for the LMS Batch 2 Project were formally exchanged in Ankara on June 10. The project timeline included a steel cutting ceremony on December 4, 2024, and a keel laying ceremony on April 8, 2025, both held in Istanbul.

Under the LMS Batch-2 Project, STM has served as the prime contractor for these three purpose-built corvettes, designed and customized to meet RMN’s specific requirements. Constructed at the Istanbul Shipyard in Turkey, STM’s comprehensive responsibilities span all project stages, from initial design and performance specifications to construction oversight and final delivery. This includes ship design, project management, construction management, material and system procurement, integration design and assembly, testing, and comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) activities, alongside the preparation of all design and ILS documentation.

The corvettes’ construction and outfitting are being executed predominantly in Turkey, with substantial contributions from the Turkish defense industry. Key systems integrated into the STM-built vessels include:
* ASELSAN: The 30mm MUHAFIZ (Smash) Remote Controlled Stabilized Naval Gun System, CENK 3D Search Radar, ARES 2D Surface Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system, Akrep Fire Control Radar, Chaff Decoy System, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, and various other electronic sensors.
* ROKETSAN: The ATMACA Anti-Ship Missile.
* HAVELSAN: A sophisticated Combat Management System (CMS) and a 76mm main gun fire control system.

Each corvette measures 99.56 meters in length, possesses a displacement of 2500 tons, can achieve a maximum speed of 26 knots, and is equipped with a helicopter landing platform. The vessels are designed to accommodate a crew of 111 personnel.

---