Navy launches third home-built combat ship as LCS programme gathers pace

MALAYSIA’S third home-built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), named Sharif Mashor, was officially launched today at the Lumut Naval Shipyard, signalling steady progress in the country’s flagship naval construction programme.

The vessel is named after Sharif Mashor, a renowned 19th-century Sarawakian warrior who ruled Sarikei in the mid-1800s and is remembered for his bravery and strategic leadership during the era of James Brooke. His role in regional conflicts and resistance efforts has left a legacy of determination, resilience and tactical wisdom that the navy hopes will be reflected in the ship bearing his name.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and witnessed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) within the Royal Malaysian Navy base.

Also in attendance were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Lunas chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat.

As part of the proceedings, a simulation of an Engine Order Telegraph rejection was conducted, followed by the symbolic sounding of the ship’s foghorn.

Guests were also presented with a historical narrative celebrating the courage and struggles of Sarawak’s warriors through a recitation by national performer Azamin Itam, before a pantomime performance by the Naval Special Forces, Paskal.

A Parang Ijang, a traditional weapon passed down through generations of Iban warriors and emblematic of warfare, defence and security, was presented during the ceremony.

The weapon, renowned for its distinctive design and cultural significance, will be placed on board LCS3 as a lasting symbol of the vessel’s heritage.

Reading a speech on behalf of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Adly said the third coastal combat ship was a point of national pride, as it is the first frigate-class vessel to be fully constructed by a local company, Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd.

He said construction began with the keel-laying ceremony on Nov 29, 2017, and the ship is now ready for launch.

“This achievement reflects the capability of local talent in realising the nation’s ambition to compete in the heavy and defence industries on a global scale,” he said.

Adly said the recent launch of the National Defence Industry Policy underscored the government’s commitment to building a sustainable defence sector through technological mastery, empowerment of local expertise, higher local content and strategic collaboration, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign parties.

“In this context, Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd plays a crucial role as a key player in the country’s maritime industry, driving the development of the local vendor ecosystem, particularly in shipbuilding and ship repair,” he said.

He added that the Industrial Collaboration Programme should be strategically leveraged to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen the skills and competencies of participating vendors.

“The naming of this third coastal combat ship represents another meaningful achievement in the execution of a national strategic project,” he said.

Adly said the name Sharif Mashor has now been immortalised through the ship, honouring the historical figure’s contributions and struggles.

“This distinguished name will serve as a symbol of the spirit of resilience and the strength of the RMN fleet, and the armed forces as a whole, in defending the nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

LCS3 recently underwent a technical downslip at Lunas on Jan 31, during which multiple systems were tested and refined to ensure operational readiness. Meanwhile, the first vessel in the programme, LCS1, began its maiden sea trial on Jan 28.

Together, the developments reflect structured progress under the LCS Programme and reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to delivering advanced and reliable naval assets to bolster maritime security. - February 10, 2026