MRSS Contenders have been Showed at DSA 2018

17 April 2018

The MRSS contenders. (photo : Malaysian Defence)

RMN’s MRSS Contenders – DSA 2018 Shorts

KUALA LUMPUR: RMN Chief Adm Kamarulzaman Badaruddin says the service will reveal the MRSS design for its 15 to 5 transformation plan at DSA 2018. Indeed the navy did display the designs of the MRSS at its showcase at the trade show, starting today.

Its “designs of the MRSS” as the RMN is showing three types of MRSS which the service wants the government to choose from based on available funds.

A stern view of all three designs. (photo : Malaysian Defence)

The three designs are a mini-Dokdo, a medium size LPD design and a Makassar class variant. The models of the three designs – likely presented to Adm. Kamarulzaman as souvenirs from shipbuilders – are on display with other ships in the 15-to-5 programme.

The LPH type MRSS like the mini-Dokdo or mini-Mistral are the “high-end cost” design while the medium-size LPD types are the “medium cost ” with the the Makasssar class variant as the low-cost candidate. All three would be a worthy addition to the RMN though its likely the type chosen will be based on “affordability” and involvement of the local shipbuilding industry. (Malaysian Defence)

MRSS Contenders – DSA 2018 Shorts

KUALA LUMPUR: Three contenders for the RMN’s MRSS requirements had been showcased at DSA 2018 at the MITEC, Jalan Duta. There are probably others as well but these were the three that I saw today, the media preview day.

Naval Group Mistral 170 (photo : Malaysian Defence)

Two are the usual suspects, the PT PAL Makassar class variant and the Damen Enforcer 10000. The third is a dark horse, the Naval Group Mistral 170, colloquially call as the mini-Mistral. It is likely that a Chinese contender or two are also around in the halls but as most booths were still being set-up today I have to post these three first.

Damen Enforcer 10000 (photo : Malaysian Defence)

It is interesting to note that Boustead is not displaying a model of its own MRSS contender. They have two models of corvettes which seemed to indicate that they are not going ahead with a newer version of the Kedah class.

PT PAL Makassar class variant (photo : Malaysian Defence)

So which will be the MRSS design to be announced by the RMN as announced by the chief last week? I have no idea so far but I have been told that there is no funds allocated for the program so far. So it is unlikely an LOI will be sign for the MRSS soon. The LOA for the NSM is confirmed though with the LOI to be awarded for the MBDA VL MICA. (Malaysian Defence)