Malaysia’s new warship can hunt submarines but cannot sink a foe

Advertisement Malaysia’s new warship can hunt submarines but cannot sink a foe The navy’s first littoral combat ship is arriving later this year without the anti-ship missiles meant to give it offensive teeth 3-MIN READ3-MIN Malaysia’s navy is preparing to take delivery of a warship fully equipped for anti-submarine, anti-air and electronic warfare – everything, that is, except a way to sink an enemy ship. After nearly a decade of delays, financial scandal and shipyard mismanagement the Royal Malaysian Navy’s first littoral combat ship is finally due in December. But it will arrive missing any anti-ship missiles. Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the planned Naval Strike Missile system has left Kuala Lumpur scrambling for an alternative, while the ship itself sails ahead regardless. Defence officials insist the timeline is unchanged. “The decision does not affect the delivery schedule,” the ministry told parliament in a written reply on July 7, noting the vessel would still carry anti-submarine, anti-air and electronic warfare systems. What the ship will not carry, for now, is a way to strike enemy ships – the capability that was meant to define the class. Advertisement Select Voice Select Speed 1.00x