36 new ships for RMN Transformation Programmes
SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will use 36 new generation patrol vessels and littoral mission ships for better patrolling of national waters through the Transformation Programmes 15 to 5.
RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the long-term plan was to reduce the classes of armada vessels from 15 to only five.
He said the increase in the RMN's assets would be conducted in stages, and so far there are six new generation patrol vessels, namely Kapal Diraja (KD) Pahang, KD Kedah, KD Selangor, KD Perak, KD Terengganu and KD Kelantan.
"The long-term strength will contribute to security patrols in national waters and indirectly reduce external threats," he said in a press conference held after the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 13th Reserve Patrol Vessel Squadron at the RMN Sandakan Base here today. — Bernama