The saga of Malaysia’s troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) continues. A notable absentee from DSA 2022 was general contractor Bousted Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC), the only major defence company in Malaysia not to be exhibiting. LCS projects were mired in technical difficulties, cost overruns, delays and corruption.
Designed as a multi-mission vessel to replace the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) old frigates and frigates, the first LCS will be delivered in 2019. Bousted won a $2.2 billion contract five years ago. But although the first ship was launched in August 2017, it has yet to be delivered. Four more are partially constructed. Having previously threatened to cancel the project or provide more funding, the government is now reviewing a “recovery plan”.
The LCS displaces 3,100 tons and is equipped with a variety of weapon systems. They include 30mm and 57mm guns, Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM), MBDA Mica SAM and torpedo launchers. Sensors are provided by Kelvin Hughes, Rheinmetall and Thales. There seem to be various integration issues, and the numerous subcontractors involved don’t help.
In addition, in January last year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested two senior executives involved in the project. A source at MACC told local media that the couple allegedly took bribes by making payments to three foreign companies. Their names and companies were not specified. Bobst did not respond to a request for comment.
Chris Pocock
