- Lekiu class frigate
The "Lekiu" class
frigates are presently the most modern major assets of theRoyal Malaysian Navy . The class comprised two vessels, F29 KD "Jebat" and F30 KD "Lekiu". The class is named after the second ship of the class which was launched earlier than the "Jebat".The ships were built by
Yarrow Shipbuilders UK in Glasgow (nowBVT Surface Fleet ) from the FS 2000 light frigate design. The "Lekiu" was launched in December 1994 while the "Jebat" was launched in May 1995. The "Jebat" carries the lower pennant number (F 29) to signify the seniority of this ship, which accommodates the Admiral of the Royal Malaysian Navy. (Hang Jebat succeededHang Tuah as Laksamana (Admiral) during theMelaka Sultanate , whileHang Lekiu was never made a Laksamana.)The purchase of the two ships of the "Lekiu" class involved a major Transfer of Technology programme as well as an off set programme where some portion of the contract value would involve purchases and services contracted to Malaysian companies.
Delivery and operational status were delayed due to integration of combat systems problems. Both ships were commissioned in March and May 1999. The ships was a huge jump in capability compared to the frigates then operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy, the F24 KD "Rahmat" and F76 KD "Hang Tuah" (ex-HMS "Mermaid").
Both F29 KD "Jebat" and F30 KD "Lekiu" serve in the 23 Frigate Squadron of the
Royal Malaysian Navy [http://navy.mod.gov.my/sitecont/option-com_content/task-view/id-105/Itemid-204/ _en. "Nakhoda Ragam" Offshore Patrol Vessel] ] s (OPVs) ordered by Brunei are from a similar 2000 design, though lighter and configured differently from the "Lekiu"s. Brunei refused to take delivery of the vessels of this class due to a dispute. It has been proposed that the Royal Malaysian Navy take into service the "Nakhoda Ragam" ships, but there have been no developments on this proposal.External links
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lekiu/lekiu2.html photograph of KD Lekiu]
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lekiu/lekiu5.html photograph of KD Lekiu]
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lekiu/lekiu1.html photograph of the Jebat at Yarrow Shipbuilders]
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lekiu/lekiu7.html another photograph of the Lekiu]
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/lekiu/lekiu6.html navy rating manning the Nautis II Command system]
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