Defence Ministry Satisfied With Latest Status Of Lcs Project

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The Defence Ministry is satisfied with the construction progress of the littoral combat ships (LCS), said its minister Mohamad Hasan.
According to him, the construction of the vessels is proceeding as scheduled.
"The first vessel is 70 percent (complete). There is only one more block to be completed, it does not take much time. The engine, propeller, and gearbox have all been fitted, while only the electric and weapon systems remain.
"I'm confident that the first ship will be completed next year before it is tested in international waters and commissioned," Bernama quoted the Rembau MP telling a press conference after paying a visit to the Lumut Naval Base in Perak, earlier today.
Last month, Mohamad said that the multi-billion ringgit LCS project which has been plagued by delays, will be continued but subject to a review.
According to him, the project would also involve the Finance Ministry, the Economy Ministry, and the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT).
Defence Minister Mohamad HasanThe Public Account Committee (PAC) reported last August about a huge overrun in costs amounting to RM1.4 billion in the RM9 billion LCS contract, with RM6 billion paid as of 2020.
Despite the government having paid such a huge amount, none of the ships has been completed after eight years. The project was started in 2014.
'No compromise on country's sovereignty’
Elaborating, Mohamad said the other vessels are 22 to 48 percent complete according to their respective suitability.
"I was informed that the other ships will take two to three years to be completed. Some have been checked for leaks, artillery, and ECU (electronic control unit).
"Our hope is that all the old issues will be settled. This includes the issue concerning middlemen, as henceforth, we will only deal with the vendor," he said.
Mohamad admitted that there are parties who have questioned why the government is pressing on with the LCS amid the economic uncertainty in the country.
"The answer is simple. The country's security and sovereignty cannot be compromised. You can say what you want but Mindef is focused on these issues."
Also present at the event were Navy chief Admiral Mohd Reza Mohd Sany, Mindef secretary-general Muez Abd Aziz, and Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Air Wing commander First Admiral Ahmad Shafirudin Abu Bakar. - Mkini

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