In the latter part of last year, following remarks by the Malaysian Defense Minister in parliament pointing to Türkiye for the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch 2 project, there was keen interest in the specifics of the ADA-class (MILGEM) corvette intended for export to Malaysia. According to the minister’s comments, three ships will be constructed under the LMS Batch-2 project, with an option for an additional five ships. At the Defense and Security Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, details regarding this export venture started to emerge.
STM officials, in conversation with Naval News, affirmed that the project remains on schedule, with final contract details under negotiation. Consequently, while the contract wasn’t anticipated to be signed at the DSA 2024 exhibition, it is expected to be finalized in the forthcoming months. However, STM officials refrained from divulging specifics regarding the contract timeline and the potential configuration of the ship.
According to the model of the MİLGEM corvette showcased at the Malaysian Navy’s booth, the dimensions of the corvette for Malaysia seem the same as the Turkish counterpart. While there are some configuration adjustments, the design appears to adhere closely to the proven Ada-class corvette blueprint.
Notably, the primary difference in the LMS Batch 2 Corvette lies in its integration of air defence missiles. Plans entail outfitting the ship with air defense missiles, housed in 2×2-cell Vertical Launch Systems (VLSs) situated in the aft mast area of the vessel. Information gathered by Naval News at the exhibition indicates that the selected air defence missile for LMS Batch 2 is the Haegung (which means “Sea Bow”, or Korean Surface-to-Anti Air Missile (K-SAAM), manufactured by the South Korean company Lig NEX1. With these missiles arranged in a quad-pack configuration, a total of 16 Haegung Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAAMs) will be onboard.
LMS Batch 2 doesn’t feature the RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) point defence missile system while Ada-class corvettes are fitted.
Another notable difference in the mockup is the air surveillance radar. While MILGEM corvettes serving in the Turkish Navy are equipped with the Smart-S Mk 2 air surveillance radar, the radar featured on the LMS model is the Aselsan CENK-S AESA, which was installed on the TCG Istanbul, the first I-class frigate of the Turkish Navy.
While the Malaysian Navy continues to work on the choice of the anti-ship missile system of LMS, Naval News has learned that the Atmaca missile, developed by Roketsan, has emerged as a leading contender. If this trajectory remains unchanged, it is likely that the Atmaca missile, akin to the one installed on the TCG KINALIADA, the Turkish Navy’s 4th Island-class corvette, will be mounted on the LMS.
As per information presented at the Malaysian Navy booth, the majority of the weapon and system suite will comprise currently deployed and proven systems. Nevertheless, refinement efforts persist in determining the final configuration.
About MILGEM project / Ada-class corvettes
The Ada-class, as part of the MILGEM project, represents the first national ship-building project staged in Turkey. Its goal was to build a modern littoral combat ship with indigenous anti-submarine warfare and high-seas patrol capabilities, extensively using the principles of stealth technology in its design.
The Ada-class Corvette boasts capabilities encompassing the determination, location, classification, identification, and destruction of air, surface, and underwater targets, along with the provision of Naval Gunfire Support. Beyond its offensive capacities, Corvettes excel in evading potential threats while executing maritime operations such as surveillance and patrol, safeguarding coastal areas and infrastructure, as well as overseeing and monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones.
The class is designed to embark on a 10-ton helicopter with platform, hangar and extensive service and handling equipment. Helicopter operations can be performed at sea state 4. A MILGEM corvette is designed to accommodate 106 sailors including the flight crew. The total accommodation is 108 including sickbay.
Milgem-class are multipurpose corvettes able to conduct a wide a range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare.
Ada-class Main specifications:
- Displacement: 2400 tonnes
- Length: 99m
- Beam: 14.4m
- Draft: 3.9m
- Propulsion: CODAG (1 GE LM2500 gas turbine and 2 diesel engines)
- Speed: 15 to 30 knots
- Range: 3500 nautical miles (Turkey)
- Crew: 93
- Weapon: 1x gun 76 mm; 2x 12,7mm STAMP; 8 × Atmaca; 21 × RAM Block; 2 × 324 mm Mk.32 triple launchers for Mk.46 torpedoes (Turkey)
