A total of RM12 billion has been allocated to the armed forces for the acquisition of assets to enhance the country’s defence capabilities this year, said Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

According to him, among the major asset acquisitions approved this year include 105mm cannons, surface-to-surface missiles (SSM) for KD Jebat frigate and three units of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System (MALE UAS).

The Defence Ministry, he said, will ensure that the construction of other important assets progress as scheduled, such as the littoral combat ship (LCS) 1 which is now 96.52 percent complete and has commenced the Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Test (SAT).

“LCS2 has also been launched and is undergoing work requirements, while LCS3 is in final preparations for its planned launch in January 2026.

“As for the construction of the Second Batch of littoral mission ships (LMS), work progress for all three ships is expected to reach 13.8 percent overall by June 2025,” he said when delivering the minister’s 2025 New Year Message at Wisma Perwira in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present were armed forces chief Mohammad Ab Rahman, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Defence Ministry secretary-general Lokman Hakim Ali.

Commenting further, Khaled said the construction of FA-50M (Block 20) light fighter aircraft (LCA/FLIT) acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has reached 48 percent progress with the first two aircraft to be received in October 2026.

The Defence Ministry signed a contract to procure 18 FA-50M light fighter aircraft worth approximately RM4 billion in 2023.

Khaled also said that the ministry will receive two maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the purpose of monitoring the country’s maritime areas in June and September 2026.

According to him, the plan to increase the capabilities of armed forces assets is among the 10 main focuses outlined in the ministry’s 2025 plan to ensure that the country’s defence system meets needs and challenges.

- Bernama

Buying used assets 'common practice' in defence sector – minister

Buying used assets 'common practice' in defence sector – minister

Khaled holds further talks on buying fighter jets from Kuwait

Khaled holds further talks on buying fighter jets from Kuwait

PM hit by Blackrock deal reminder when briefing MPs about Gaza

PM hit by Blackrock deal reminder when briefing MPs about Gaza

Don: Cheap, tempting, but is it prudent to acquire ageing Kuwaiti jets?

Don: Cheap, tempting, but is it prudent to acquire ageing Kuwaiti jets?

Black Hawk delivery expected end of October: Armed forces chief

Black Hawk delivery expected end of October: Armed forces chief