Malaysian Naval Chief Says Priority is Upgrades, but ASW Helos, Corvettes on Shopping List

23 Mei 2015

RMN operates 6 Airbus Helicopter AS-555SN light ASW helicopter and 6 AgustaWestland Super Lynx medium ASW helicopter (photo : Malaysian Defence) 

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is prioritising upgrades and service life extension programmes (SLEP) over the next five years, although it is also seeking to buy anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters and new corvettes, the service's chief has told IHS Jane's .

Admiral Abdul Aziz Jaafar said that during the 11th Malaysia Plan, which lays out the Malaysian government's fiscal spending plan for 2016-20, "the priority and the focus of the RMN is to ensure that our existing assets maintain its high degree of readiness in performing its operational duties in protecting the sovereignty of the nation."

This means that the emphasis will be on "upgrading and planning the Service Life Extension Programme of our existing frigates and corvettes", he said.

(Jane's)