Malaysia seeks new combat systems for fleet of 40-year-old attack craft

The Maalaysian government is seeking new mini-combat systems for 14 FACs. (Getty Images)

Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) is looking to enhance the combat capabilities of 14 fast attack craft (FACs) that have been in service with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) since the 1970s.

The ministry has issued a tender notice, inviting bids for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, and certification of new mini-combat systems that will go onboard each FAC.

The tender notice was published on 24 July, and will close on 25 August.

Janes understands that the vessels to be upgraded are namely the Handalan (SPICA-M), and the Perdana (La Combattante II) classes, each with four vessels in service, and the Jerong class, which has a current strength of six.

The oldest among the three groups of FACs are the Perdana-class boats, which were commissioned between 1972 and 1973. The 44 m vessels can reach a top speed of 36.5 kt, with a standard range of 2000 n miles at 14 kt.