Thursday May 28, 2009
Underwater firepower
By CHOI TUCK WO in London
Malaysia faces ‘uncharted waters’ with its first submarine project.
THE countdown has begun. With barely two months left to Malaysia’s first submarine sailing home, preparations for the historic journey are now in full swing.
And the 35-member pioneer crew of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is looking forward to cruising back in the nation’s very own underwater vessel from the French naval base in Toulon.
This will mark a significant milestone for the Royal Malaysian Navy in its efforts to safeguard the country’s extensive coastline and maritime interests.
Sleek machine: The majestic-looking KD Tunku Abdul Rahman surfacing during the commissioning ceremony in Toulon, France, earlier this year. Barring unforeseen circumstances and subject to maintenance works, the submarine is scheduled to depart Toulon by early July.
Amid the euphoria over the homeward journey, the fact remained that the Scorpene submarine will be sailing in “uncharted waters”, so to speak.
Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam admits that the biggest challenge would be logistics support during the undersea journey.
He says if the submarine were to experience technical problems or malfunction of key equipment, for example, questions like where it would be repaired and by whom would need to be addressed.
The availability of spare parts for the affected equipment at that particular time was equally important to ensure the sailing schedule was not hindered, he adds.
As such, he says, the logistics aspects such as replenishment of fuel, ration and maintenance were being carefully planned throughout the journey.
Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam being welcomed by Malaysian Submarine Force Project Team head, First Admiral Rosland Omar, on his arrival for the commissioning ceremony. “We’re all excited and thrilled as it marks another significant achievement in the overall project milestone,” he tells StarTwo.
Thanarajasingam notes that the estimated undersea journey comprised about 80% of the total passage to Malaysia.
“The submarine shall remain submerged when it is deemed safe and practicable for submerged navigation except in areas that it is not allowed to do so, such as when transiting the Suez Canal,” he explains.
Upon reaching Malaysian waters, the submarine is expected to stop at Port Klang and Lumut for a few days before continuing the journey to Kota Kinabalu.
Preparations are underway to receive the vessel at the country’s first submarine base – located at the Sepanggar naval station in Sabah – which is scheduled for completion next month.
Thanarajasingam says a special ceremony would be held to mark the arrival of the first submarine in Malaysia, to be graced by top national and international leaders.
“I hope that all Malaysians will welcome the historic crew and craft as it is a significant milestone in our country’s development, especially in its defence preparedness,” he adds.
He says it also augured well for Malaysia’s initiatives to constantly and consistently advance towards the frontiers of science and knowledge.
On the crew’s preparation for the passage home, the ambassador says it was progressing smoothly according to plan.
Among others, the crew will have to undergo and pass a work-up training with the French Navy to certify them “safe to dive” with the submarine before commencing their journey.
Other preparations include identifying the route for submerged and surfaced navigation as well as determining the port of calls.
Commitment
Over the years, the team members have demonstrated relentless effort and professionalism in training since Malaysia signed a deal to purchase two submarines in 2002.
Submarine crews require a combination of physical and mental aptitude as well as a good level of technical knowledge.
“The submarine training as a whole is physically and academically demanding,” says Thanarajasingam.
Among the major obstacles that they have succeeded in overcoming were the hardship of training ashore and aboard, in a foreign country and separation from families for long periods.
The ambassador says he had watched with pride over the last three years the submariners’ commitment during their training programme.
“I am confident we have a top notch team of committed Malaysians who will do the country proud,” he adds.
Malaysia took delivery of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman earlier this year while the second submarine, KD Tun Abdul Razak is expected to sail back by end of the year.
The two Scorpenes, equipped with multiple torpedoes and mines, were built by French military shipyard DCNS in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia.
On criticisms that Malaysia does not need a submarine project since there is no war going on, Thanarajasingam says there would be a range of views in any major development.
“Given our long coastline and maritime interests, it is legitimate for us to pursue this project which is bound to be another frontier of knowledge for Malaysians,” he adds.
The Scorpenes are seen as being able to help boost Malaysia’s naval capabilities, including conducting operations in the South China Sea and the narrow, pirate-infested waters off the Straits of Malacca.
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