Malaysia’s Third LMS Batch II Corvette Launched at Istanbul Shipyard
TUNKU OSMAN JEWA, the third and final LMS Batch II corvette for the Royal Malaysian Navy, entered the water at Istanbul Shipyard on August 9, 2026, under prime contractor STM.
At a Glance
- TUNKU OSMAN JEWA (pennant 143) launched on August 9, 2026, at Istanbul Shipyard
- Third and final ship of the class; STM is prime contractor
- Sister ships launched May 24 and June 7, 2026 — three launches in about 11 weeks
- Roughly 2,500 tons, 99.56 m length, over 26 knots top speed
- Range above 4,000 nm at 14 knots with a crew of 111
- Deliveries scheduled through the end of 2027
Launch ceremony in Istanbul
The Royal Malaysian Navy’s third and final LMS Batch II corvette, TUNKU OSMAN JEWA, was launched at Istanbul Shipyard on August 9, 2026, Naval News reported the same day. The ship carries pennant number 143, with Turkish defense firm STM acting as prime contractor.
The ceremony was attended by the Sultan of Kedah, Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Malek Razak, RMN Deputy Chief Vice Admiral Datuk Ts. Badarudin bin Taha, and STM General Manager Ozgur Guleryuz, underscoring the political weight both capitals attach to the program.
Program timeline
The LMS Batch II program rests on a government-to-government memorandum of understanding signed in June 2024. First-of-class TUNKU LAKSAMANA ABDUL JALIL was launched on May 24, 2026, followed by RAJA LAUT on June 7. With the third hull now in the water, all three launches took place within roughly 11 weeks.
That cadence reflects block construction and parallel production planning at the yard. Deliveries are scheduled to conclude by the end of 2027, with outfitting, harbor acceptance tests and sea trials still ahead for each hull.
Design and armament
The LMS Batch II corvettes displace around 2,500 tons on a 99.56-meter hull, reach speeds above 26 knots and cover more than 4,000 nautical miles at 14 knots with a crew of 111.
Armament comprises a 76 mm main gun, a 30 mm secondary gun, two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, two twin air-defense missile launchers and two decoy systems. The design is an export derivative of Turkey’s Ada-class (MILGEM) corvette line.
Why It Matters
LMS Batch II ranks among Turkey’s largest warship export programs to date. Launching three corvettes within 11 weeks demonstrates the serial-production capacity Turkish yards have built up in naval shipbuilding, a point international customers watch closely.
The program is also the first major application of the MILGEM design lineage in the Asia-Pacific. Performance in Malaysia serves as a reference for other Southeast Asian navies with similar requirements and builds a track record that could support follow-on orders for STM and Istanbul Shipyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TUNKU OSMAN JEWA?
The third and final LMS Batch II corvette built for the Royal Malaysian Navy at Istanbul Shipyard, with STM as prime contractor.
When will the ships be delivered?
Under the June 2024 government-to-government MoU, deliveries are scheduled through the end of 2027.
What are the ship’s key specifications?
About 2,500 tons, 99.56 m long, over 26 knots, 4,000+ nm range at 14 knots, crew of 111; armed with a 76 mm gun, a 30 mm gun, eight anti-ship missiles and four air-defense missiles.
Sources
- Naval News — Launch ceremony, attendees, specifications and program timeline; August 9, 2026
- STM — Prime contractor role and MILGEM design heritage; corporate information
