Royal Malaysian Navy

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) operates under a long-term modernization framework designated as the 15-to-5 transformation program. This plan intends to consolidate the fleet into five standardized classes: Scorpène-class submarines, Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV), and Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS). The primary missions of the RMN include the defense of national sovereignty, protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and maintaining the security of sea lines of communication. Operations are concentrated in the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and the Sulu-Celebes Seas. The navy functions within the national defense doctrine of "Defense in Depth," emphasizing deterrence and the ability to respond to maritime threats across Malaysia’s non-contiguous maritime territories in the peninsula and Borneo.

The fleet’s underwater capability is provided by Scorpène-class diesel-electric submarines, which are stationed at the Sepanggar Naval Base. Surface combatants include the Lekiu-class frigates and Kasturi-class corvettes, equipped for anti-surface and anti-submarine operations. Offshore and coastal surveillance are conducted by the Kedah-class patrol vessels and the Keris-class LMS. Naval aviation support is provided by Super Lynx 300 and Fennec helicopters, which are complemented by AW139 Maritime Utility Helicopters. These aircraft conduct maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and utility transport missions from both shore-based facilities and flight-capable surface vessels.

Shipbuilding and procurement focus on the delivery of the Maharaja Lela-class LCS, which are based on the Gowind-class design. These vessels are constructed domestically at the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LNS). In 2025, the RMN progressed with the acquisition of Batch 2 Littoral Mission Ships through a government-to-government agreement with Turkey. These vessels, based on the Ada-class corvette design, are being constructed by STM. This procurement represents a transition toward incorporating more heavily armed platforms into the LMS category. Domestic industrial capacity is centered at LNS and other local yards, which provide refit and life-extension services for the existing fleet, including the Kasturi-class and various fast attack craft.

The RMN maintains a presence in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to mitigate piracy, kidnapping for ransom, and maritime incursions. Patrol zones are divided between the Western Fleet, headquartered in Lumut, and the Eastern Fleet in Kota Kinabalu. International engagement includes participation in the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). The RMN participates in multilateral exercises such as Bersama Lima and maintains operational ties with regional navies through the ASEAN Navy Chiefs' Enclave.