The vessel should join the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in 2027.
Turkish shipbuilder Desan Shipyard has won a contract to build a multipurpose mission ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which functions as Malaysia’s coast guard.
The letter of acceptance was signed in Istanbul on 21 March. The deal, which the MMEA said was worth almost US$69 million, outlined a vessel to be delivered in Q1 2027.
Awang Alik bin Jeman, secretary general of Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, said: “This cooperation demonstrates the commitment of both countries in addressing increasingly complex maritime security threats, including foreign vessel incursions and cross-border criminal activities.”
The ship will be 99m long, with a crew complement of 70 (and the ability to carry 30 passengers) for journeys of up to 30 days. As such it will function as Malaysia’s largest ever “coast guard” vessel.
The scale and technology of the vessel
Admiral Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah, director general of MMEA, explained that the ship would be equipped with sophisticated technology and a modern operating system, noting: “It will also be equipped with four fast interceptor boats, two uncrewed aerial drones, a helicopter landing deck, medical facilities and a detention centre.”
The multipurpose vessel will feature a remote-controlled weapon station – likely an Aselsan 30mm SMASH cannon – mounted on the bow, and an additional two atop the helicopter hangar.
The stern flight deck will accommodate a Seahawk-sized helicopter, one of which was depicted in a scale model displayed at the signing ceremony. It will also have a large stern ramp, through which inflatables can be launched and recovered.
Admiral Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah said the ship would focus on surveillance in the South China Sea, especially to deal with foreign vessel incursions, illegal fishing activities, smuggling and human trafficking.
A bilateral agreement between the Malaysian and Turkish governments confirming selection of the ship had been signed on 11 February.