Lekiu-class (F2000)

The Lekiu class is a series of two frigates operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy. Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the vessels are based on the F2000 frigate design. The class consists of KD Jebat (FFG29) and KD Lekiu (FFG30). Although Jebat carries the lower pennant number to signify seniority, the class is named after Lekiu because it was launched first. Procurement involved a technology transfer and offset program with Malaysian companies. Both vessels were launched in 1994 and 1995, but commissioning was delayed until 1999 because of combat system software integration issues. The class succeeded the Rahmat and Hang Tuah in service.

The vessels are equipped with the Nautis F combat data system and a sensor suite including air and surface search radars, navigation radar, and hull-mounted sonar. Electronic warfare capabilities include ESM and ECM suites along with decoy launchers and a torpedo decoy system. Aviation facilities comprise a stern hangar and landing platform for a Super Lynx 300 helicopter. A service life extension program initiated in 2015 updated the ESM, navigation radar, and optronic weapon directors. In 2025, the Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed plans to integrate the Naval Strike Missile as the primary anti-ship weapon for the class.

Assigned to the 23 Frigate Squadron, the ships have participated in various regional and international operations. KD Lekiu was deployed to the Gulf of Aden in 2008 for the Ops Fajar 4 anti-piracy mission to recover hijacked merchant vessels. KD Jebat was utilized in a naval blockade during the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff. In 2014, KD Lekiu joined the search for flight MH370 in the South Indian Ocean and later participated in the 2018 RIMPAC exercise. Plans for a second batch of Lekiu-class frigates were cancelled in 2009 in favor of the Maharaja Lela class.