Malaysia Launches Locally-Built Warship ‘Raja Muda Nala’ to Boost Maritime Defence

Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) proudly announced the successful Naming and Launching Ceremony of its second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 2), officially named ‘Raja Muda Nala.’ The pivotal event, held at the Lumut Naval Shipyard, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s maritime defence industry and showcasing the nation’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj, Sultan of Selangor, and Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, Tengku Permaisuri Selangor. Her Royal Highness Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin ceremonially officiated the launch by smashing a traditional water pitcher against the ship’s bow.

Dignitaries in attendance included Yang Berhormat Adly Zahari, Deputy Minister of Defence; Yang Berhormat Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Minister of Finance II and Representative of LUNAS Shareholder; Yang Berbahagia General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Chief of Defence Forces; and Yang Berbahagia Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy Ithnain, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, among others.

The ship was fully constructed by a Malaysian company

LCS 2, ‘Raja Muda Nala,’ is a symbol of national pride, representing the first frigate-class vessel fully constructed by a local Malaysian company.

The ship’s name honours Raja Muda Nala, a revered national hero known for his extraordinary courage and determination in leading the people of Selangor against Dutch rule.

This naming aligns the LCS’s modern warfare capabilities with a spirit of heroism and bravery, reflecting a sustainable and inclusive local ecosystem for the defence industry. The keel-laying ceremony for LCS 2 took place on February 28, 2017.

“Today’s ceremony holds profound significance for LUNAS. It is not merely the launching of a vessel, but a reflection of our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the noble trust that has been granted to this company,” stated the Chief Executive Officer of LUNAS during his welcoming remarks.

As Malaysia’s only shipyard with full capability to design and build guided missile warships, LUNAS is deeply honoured to serve as a preferred strategic partner of the Government in strengthening Malaysia’s maritime defence industry.

Under the mantra “Defining Excellence,” LUNAS places integrity at the heart of its operations, from supply chain management to technical execution, championing transparency and accountability in the delivery of strategic national projects under the stewardship of the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc).

The construction of LCS 2 brings tangible socio-economic benefits through the creation of high-skilled jobs, development of local vendors, and continuous technology transfer, contributing meaningfully to the strength of the national defence industry and the sovereignty of Malaysian waters.

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