Mohamad inspecting the submarine maintenance facility in the Sepanggar naval base.
KOTA KINABALU: The government is planning to acquire two more submarines under the Royal Malaysian Navy's 15 to 5 transformation plan, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan.
The Defence Minister said these new submarines, on top of Malaysia’s two in-commission submersibles, were vital for the country's maritime security.
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He said submarines were strategic assets which elevated the naval fleet's capabilities in line with maritime protection strategies to deal with regional and global issues, particularly regarding the South China Sea.
"Through its 15 to 5 transformation plan, the navy is planning the acquisition of a submarine under the 14th Malaysian Plan 2031-2035 (14MP) and another under the 15MP (2036-2040).
"This long-term modernisation of the fleet includes the acquisition of other surface vessels which will most surely beef up the navy’s capabilities in facing the new dimensions of warfare," he said after visiting the navy base in Sepanggar and the Fifth Infantry Division Camp in Lok Kawi here on Thursday (Feb 9).
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His inaugural visit to Sabah as Defence Minister was to survey the facilities and defence capabilities of the army camp on the west coast as well as to assess defence operations and readiness.
At the Sepanggar naval base, Mohamad visited the submarine maintenance facility and jetty, inspected the Kota Kinabalu air squadron and also the littoral mission ships docked at the base.
On a related matter, he said the navy had scheduled acquisition of the second batch of littoral mission ships under the 12MP and was now awaiting the Finance Ministry’s approval.
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"The navy will also beef up the operational capabilities of the KD Sri Sandakan and KD Sri Tawau bases in terms of infrastructure, assets and equipment to face any eventuality in the Sulu and Sulawesi seas," he said.
He added that the development of the Region 4 base in Bintulu, Sarawak was now under consideration by the government.
"The base is critical to handle intrusions by foreign assets in Sarawak waters.
"The navy is planning to deploy an operational workforce and the proper ships at the base to improve monitoring and safety in the South China Sea, besides thwarting encroachment," he added.
He said the country’s security and sovereignty cannot be compromised, and were the main priorities of the Ministry’s agenda.
The Armada Transformation 15 to 5 plan aims to improve efficiency, boost preparedness and reduce operating and maintenance costs, by reducing the classes of in-service vessels from 15 to five.
These five classes include littoral mission ships, littoral combat ships, multi-role support ships, new generation patrol vessels and submarines.
