Another significant milestone has been reached for the Türkiye defence industry. The first ship of the LMS Batch-2 project Türkiye’s first corvette export to the Asia-Pacific region – named “Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil” was launched in Istanbul. With a displacement of 2,500 tonnes and a top speed of over 26 knots, the platform was built at Istanbul Shipyard under STM’s prime contractor role. It is also the first of a three‑vessel series designed to strengthen the maritime sovereignty of friendly and brotherly Malaysia. The STM Malaysia corvette project thus represents a new success in Turkish shipbuilding.
The launch ceremony was held in Istanbul on 24 May 2026. Attendees included the Queen of Malaysia, Raja Zarith Sofiah; members of the Johor Royal Family; Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; Türkiye’s Deputy National Defence Minister, Musa Heybetli; STM’s Chairman of the Board, Prof. Dr. İhsan Kaya; and numerous high‑level guests. Özgür Güleryüz, STM’s General Manager, noted that the project – the first government‑to‑government (G2G) defence procurement agreement between Türkiye and Malaysia – is advancing rapidly. He also announced that the second vessel of the series is scheduled to be launched in June 2026, and the third in August 2026. All three corvettes are planned to be delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy in 2027. It was also emphasised that the STM Malaysia corvette process marks an important step forward in both military and strategic cooperation.
Fully Equipped with Indigenous Systems
Under the LMS Batch-2 project, advanced technology systems developed by Turkish defence industry companies are being used to outfit the vessels. Supplied by ASELSAN, the ships will be equipped with the 30mm MUHAFIZ Remote Controlled Stabilised Gun System, the CENK 3D Search Radar, the ARES 2D Surface Radar ED system, and the Akrep Fire Control Radar. In addition, ROKETSAN’s ATMACA anti‑ship missile and HAVELSAN’s Combat Management System (CMS) are being integrated. For the STM Malaysia corvette, the advantages provided by indigenous systems, as well as technology transfer, are also gaining importance.
The ADVENT Combat Management System, developed by HAVELSAN and now a standard on naval platforms, stands out for its high integration capabilities. Notably, ADVENT’s successful digital integration with UAVs is one of the most concrete examples of the system’s flexibility on the modern battlefield. T
Technical Capability and Heritage
The ship is named after Tunku Laksamana Abdul Jalil, the first person in the Johor Royal Family to hold the title “Tunku Laksamana”, and that legacy is carried to the seas through this corvette. At the same time, the STM Malaysia corvette project is seen as adding a new dimension to defence relations between Malaysia and Türkiye.
Measuring 99.56 metres in length and 14.42 metres in beam, the vessels can carry a crew of 111 and conduct uninterrupted missions for 14 days. Powered by a CODAD propulsion system, they achieve a range of over 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. They also feature a helicopter landing deck, providing operational flexibility.
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Source:C4Defence– STM
