SEA to supply torpedo launchers for Malaysia's Maharaja Lela class

SEA's Torpedo Launcher System, which has been selected for Malaysia's Maharaja Lela-class frigates. (SEA)

UK-based naval protection systems firm SEA has secured a contract to supply its fixed triple configuration lightweight Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN's) Maharaja Lela-class frigate programme.

In its 13 March statement to announce the contract, SEA disclosed that the deal was inked with Malaysia's state-affiliated Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS).

All five vessels in the class will receive the system, said SEA in its statement.

“The TLS system is weapons-agnostic, allowing compatibility with a range of lightweight torpedoes, while its compact design simplifies maintenance and extends its operational lifetime,” the company added.

Malaysia's Maharaja Lela-class programme was originally conceived to equip the RMN with a fleet of six frigate-sized ships.

However, due to financial and project management distresses, the programme has since been downsized to five vessels.

The class has an overall length of 111 m and a displacement of about 3,000 tonnes.

Besides the TLS, other weapons that have been selected for the class include the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM), MBDA's VL MICA point defence missile system, BAE Systems' 57 mm Mk 3 naval gun, and MSI-Defence Seahawk 30 mm guns.

The frigate's suite of sensors includes the Thales Nederland SMART-S Mk 2 3D multibeam radar, Rheinmetall's TMEO Mk 2 TMX/EO radar/electro-optical tracking and fire-control system, and the Thales Captas-2 low-frequency variable-depth sonar for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

The RMN is expected to receive its first Maharaja Lela-class frigate by the end of 2026.

For more information, please see Malaysia floats out first Maharaja Lela ship seven years after faux launch .