Littoral Combat Ship scandal
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project in Malaysia, initiated with a RM9 billion contract awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six ships, has faced significant delays and cost overruns. By 2022, none of the ships had been delivered despite substantial payments, prompting investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into alleged misappropriation and design changes. The project has seen gradual progress since 2024, with the first ship, KD Maharaja Lela, undergoing sea trials and advancing toward delivery, while subsequent ships have been launched and assembled. As of early 2026, the third LCS was launched, and the fourth is scheduled for launch in January 2027, indicating ongoing efforts to complete the programme amid continued scrutiny.
Key facts
- The LCS project was initiated with a RM9 billion contract awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six ships.
- By 2022, none of the six LCS ships had been delivered despite substantial payments, prompting MACC investigations into alleged misappropriation and design changes.
- The first LCS, KD Maharaja Lela, began its first full sea trial in April 2026 and was expected to be handed over in December 2026.
- The second LCS, 'Raja Muda Nala', was launched in July 2025.
- The third LCS, 'Sharif Mashor', was launched in February 2026.
- The fourth LCS is scheduled for launch in January 2027.
- In July 2026, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ordered regular reports on LCS progress to stem further delays.
- As of January 2026, the defence minister stated the first vessel was now due for delivery in December 2026.
Analysis
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project in Malaysia began with a RM9 billion contract awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six ships. By 2022, none of the ships had been delivered despite substantial payments, leading to investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into alleged misappropriation and design changes. Progress resumed from 2024 onward: the first LCS, KD Maharaja Lela, neared harbour acceptance testing by December 2024 and began its first full sea trial by April 2026. The ship was expected to be handed over in December 2026, with multiple sources confirming delivery expectations around that time. The second LCS, named 'Raja Muda Nala', was launched in July 2025. The third LCS, named 'Sharif Mashor', was launched in February 2026. The fourth LCS is scheduled for launch in January 2027. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ordered regular progress reports in July 2026 to prevent further delays. The project remains ongoing, with the first vessel's delivery now expected in December 2026, according to the defence minister's statement in January 2026.
This explanation is generated from the cited news sources below. It states only what those sources support.
Timeline
Contract awarded for six littoral combat ships
A RM9 billion contract was awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six littoral combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
news.google.comRM9 billion LCS contract awarded to Boustead Naval Shipyard
A RM9 billion contract was awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six littoral combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
news.google.comContract awarded for Littoral Combat Ship project
A RM9 billion contract was awarded in 2011 to Boustead Naval Shipyard to build six littoral combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
news.google.comContract awarded for LCS programme
RM9 billion contract awarded to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six Littoral Combat Ships.
news.google.comRM9 billion LCS contract awarded
Contract awarded to Boustead Naval Shipyard for six littoral combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
news.google.comNo ships delivered despite payments
By 2022, none of the six littoral combat ships had been delivered despite billions paid, prompting investigations into cost overruns and alleged misappropriation.
news.google.comNo LCS delivered despite payments, investigations initiated
By 2022, none of the six littoral combat ships had been delivered despite billions paid, prompting investigations into cost overruns, design changes, and alleged misappropriation.
news.google.comNo LCS delivered despite payments
By 2022, none of the six LCS ships had been delivered despite substantial payments, prompting MACC investigations.
news.google.comEx-Boustead Heavy Industries MD charged with CBT
Former Managing Director of Boustead Heavy Industries charged with Criminal Breach of Trust in navy’s littoral combat ship scandal.
news.google.comEx-Boustead Heavy Industries MD charged with CBT in LCS scandal
The former Managing Director of Boustead Heavy Industries was charged with criminal breach of trust (CBT) in relation to the navy’s littoral combat ship scandal.
news.google.comMACC seeks more witnesses in LCS investigation
In 2023, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) sought more witnesses in its investigation into the LCS project.
news.google.comMACC seeks more witnesses in LCS investigation
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission sought additional witnesses in its investigation into the Littoral Combat Ship project.
news.google.comPAC reports all 5 LCS ships ready by 2029
Public Accounts Committee states all five littoral combat ships will only be ready by 2029.
news.google.comMalaysia’s First Littoral Combat Ship Maharaja Lela Enters Water
Malaysia’s First Littoral Combat Ship Maharaja Lela Enters Water - navalnews.com
news.google.comFirst LCS Maharaja Lela enters water
Malaysia’s first littoral combat ship, KD Maharaja Lela, enters water.
news.google.comFirst LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Delivery to Royal Malaysian Navy in 2026
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Delivery to Royal Malaysian Navy in 2026 - Army Recognition
news.google.comFirst LCS set for delivery in 2026
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela set for delivery to Royal Malaysian Navy in 2026.
news.google.comMalaysia Completes Detailed Design on Littoral Combat Ship Frigate
Malaysia Completes Detailed Design on Littoral Combat Ship Frigate - navalnews.com
news.google.comMalaysia's first LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Sea Trials in November 2024
Malaysia's first LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Sea Trials in November 2024 - Army Recognition
news.google.comLCS project 70.1% completed
Littoral combat ships project 70.1% completed as of Oct 25, 2024 — deputy minister.
news.google.comLCS project 70.1% completed as of Oct 2024
Littoral combat ships project reported as 70.1% completed as of October 25, 2024, by deputy minister.
news.google.comProgress of Malaysia's First LCS 'Maharaja Lela' at 70.10 Percent
Progress of Malaysia's First LCS 'Maharaja Lela' at 70.10 Percent, Slightly Behind by 0.59 Percent - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comLittoral combat ships project 70.1% completed as of Oct 25, 2024
Littoral combat ships project 70.1% completed as of Oct 25, 2024 — deputy minister - The Edge Malaysia
news.google.comSTM starts construction of first LMS Batch 2 for Royal Malaysian Navy
STM starts construction of first LMS Batch 2 for Royal Malaysian Navy - navalnews.com
news.google.comLCS Maharaja Lela nears harbour acceptance test
Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 'Maharaja Lela' nears harbour acceptance test.
news.google.comFirst LCS nears harbour acceptance test
Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 'Maharaja Lela' Nears Harbour Acceptance Test.
news.google.comMalaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 'Maharaja Lela' Nears Harbour Acceptance Test
Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 'Maharaja Lela' Nears Harbour Acceptance Test - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comKD Maharaja Lela nears harbour acceptance test
Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 'Maharaja Lela' neared harbour acceptance test.
news.google.comRoyal Malaysian Navy Readiness Level Last Year at 56.52 Percent, Below Target
Royal Malaysian Navy Readiness Level Last Year at 56.52 Percent, Below Target – Chief - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comNavy readiness at 56.52% in 2024
Royal Malaysian Navy readiness level last year at 56.52 percent, below target.
news.google.comSecond LCS launched
Malaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship.
news.google.comMalaysia launches second LCS
Malaysia launches second littoral combat ship.
news.google.comMalaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship
Malaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship - navalnews.com
news.google.comMalaysia’s Second Littoral Combat Ship ‘Raja Muda Nala’ Launched
Malaysia’s Second Littoral Combat Ship ‘Raja Muda Nala’ Launched: A New Frigate to Guard the South China Sea - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comSecond LCS 'Raja Muda Nala' launched
Malaysia’s Second Littoral Combat Ship ‘Raja Muda Nala’ Launched: A New Frigate to Guard the South China Sea.
news.google.comSecond LCS named and launched
Malaysia named and launched the second Littoral Combat Ship 'Raja Muda Nala'.
news.google.comFirst LCS heads to sea trials, third advances assembly
Malaysia’s First Maharaja Lela Ship Heads to Sea Trials, Third Advances Assembly.
news.google.comFirst LCS delivery delayed to December 2026
Littoral combat ships project delayed again, first vessel now due December 2026.
news.google.comLittoral combat ships project delayed again, first vessel now due December 2026
Littoral combat ships project delayed again, first vessel now due December 2026 — defence minister - The Edge Malaysia
news.google.comDefence minister confirms first LCS due December 2026
Littoral combat ships project delayed again, first vessel now due December 2026 — defence minister.
news.google.comThird LCS launched
Malaysia launched the third Littoral Combat Ship 'Sharif Mashor', marking a critical milestone for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
news.google.comMalaysia launches third LCS
Malaysia launches third littoral combat ship.
news.google.comThird LCS launched
Malaysia Launches Third Littoral Combat Ship.
news.google.comMalaysia launches third littoral combat ship
Malaysia launched the third littoral combat ship, as reported by navalnews.com.
news.google.comFirst LCS set for December delivery
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set For December Delivery.
news.google.comFirst LCS to be handed over in December
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela to be handed over in December.
news.google.comRMN expects delivery of first LCS in December
RMN Expects Delivery of First LCS KD Maharaja Lela in December.
news.google.comFirst LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set For December Delivery
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set For December Delivery - BusinessToday Malaysia
news.google.comMalaysia’s Most Powerful Warship Finally Arrives: KD Maharaja Lela Set for December Delivery
Malaysia’s Most Powerful Warship Finally Arrives: KD Maharaja Lela Set for December Delivery as South China Sea Tensions Escalate - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comKD Maharaja Lela set for December delivery
Malaysia’s Most Powerful Warship Finally Arrives: KD Maharaja Lela Set for December Delivery as South China Sea Tensions Escalate.
news.google.comKD Maharaja Lela begins first full sea trial
Malaysia’s RM11 Billion Warship Enters Critical Phase: KD Maharaja Lela Begins First Full Sea Trial as South China Sea Pressure Intensifies.
news.google.comMalaysia’s RM11 Billion Warship Enters Critical Phase: KD Maharaja Lela Begins First Full Sea Trial
Malaysia’s RM11 Billion Warship Enters Critical Phase: KD Maharaja Lela Begins First Full Sea Trial as South China Sea Pressure Intensifies - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comMalaysia Launches First Turkish-Built LMS Batch 2 Corvette
Malaysia Launches First Turkish-Built LMS Batch 2 Corvette as South China Sea Tensions Drive Royal Malaysian Navy Transformation - Defence Security Asia
news.google.comFirst Turkish-built LMS Batch 2 corvette launched
Malaysia Launches First Turkish-Built LMS Batch 2 Corvette as South China Sea Tensions Drive Royal Malaysian Navy Transformation.
news.google.comPAC orders regular reports on LCS progress
PAC orders regular reports on littoral combat ships' progress to stem further delays.
news.google.comFourth LCS scheduled for launch in January 2027
Malaysia to launch fourth Maharaja Lela-class LCS in January 2027.
news.google.comFourth LCS to be launched in January 2027
Malaysia to launch fourth Maharaja Lela-class LCS in January 2027.
news.google.com
Relationship graph
People, organisations and items linked to this issue. Hover a node to focus its connections; names in blue link to a tracked politician profile.
- Boustead Naval Shipyardcompany
Contractor awarded the RM9 billion contract to build six littoral combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
- STMcompany
Started construction of the first LMS Batch 2 for the Royal Malaysian Navy in December 2024
- KD Maharaja Lelaitem
First littoral combat ship of the LCS project for the Royal Malaysian Navy
- Raja Muda Nalaitem
Second littoral combat ship launched in July 2025
- Sharif Mashoritem
Third Littoral Combat Ship, launched in February 2026.
- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)organization
The agency that investigated the LCS scandal, charged individuals, and sought witnesses in the probe.
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC)organization
Reviewed the LCS project and reported delays in ship readiness
- Royal Malaysian Navyorganization
The naval force that commissioned the six littoral combat ships under the LCS project.
- Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)organization
Overseeing the LCS programme and expecting delivery of KD Maharaja Lela in December 2026.
- Former Managing Director of Boustead Heavy Industriesperson
Individual charged with criminal breach of trust (CBT) in August 2022 in relation to the LCS scandal.
News collection(40)
Malaysia to launch fourth Maharaja Lela-class LCS in January 2027 - Janes
PAC orders regular reports on littoral combat ships' progress to stem further delays - The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia Launches First Turkish-Built LMS Batch 2 Corvette as South China Sea Tensions Drive Royal Malaysian Navy Transformation - Defence Security Asia
Malaysia’s RM11 Billion Warship Enters Critical Phase: KD Maharaja Lela Begins First Full Sea Trial as South China Sea Pressure Intensifies - Defence Security Asia
Malaysia’s Most Powerful Warship Finally Arrives: KD Maharaja Lela Set for December Delivery as South China Sea Tensions Escalate - Defence Security Asia
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela to be handed over in December - NST Online
RMN Expects Delivery of First LCS KD Maharaja Lela in December - Malaysia-China Insight
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set For December Delivery - BusinessToday Malaysia
Malaysia Launches Third Littoral Combat Ship - navalnews.com
Navy launches third home-built combat ship as LCS programme gathers pace | Malaysia - The Vibes
Malaysia Launches Third Littoral Combat Ship “Sharif Mashor”, Marking a Critical Milestone for the Royal Malaysian Navy - Defence Security Asia
Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship Set Sail for the First Time - Naval News
Littoral combat ships project delayed again, first vessel now due December 2026 — defence minister - The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia’s First Maharaja Lela Ship Heads to Sea Trials, Third Advances Assembly - The Defense Post
Malaysia’s Second Littoral Combat Ship ‘Raja Muda Nala’ Launched: A New Frigate to Guard the South China Sea - Defence Security Asia
Malaysia names and launches second Littoral Combat Ship - Naval News
LIMA 2025: Malaysian Littoral Combat Ship Update - Naval News
Malaysia Launches Second Littoral Combat Ship - navalnews.com
Royal Malaysian Navy Readiness Level Last Year at 56.52 Percent, Below Target – Chief - Defence Security Asia
Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ship 1 "Maharaja Lela" Nears Harbour Acceptance Test - Defence Security Asia
STM starts construction of first LMS Batch 2 for Royal Malaysian Navy - navalnews.com
Littoral combat ships project 70.1% completed as of Oct 25, 2024 — deputy minister - The Edge Malaysia
Progress of Malaysia's First LCS "Maharaja Lela" at 70.10 Percent, Slightly Behind by 0.59 Percent - Defence Security Asia
Malaysia's first LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Sea Trials in November 2024 - Army Recognition
Malaysia Completes Detailed Design on Littoral Combat Ship Frigate - navalnews.com
Australian Frigate HMAS Anzac “Not Suitable” for Royal Malaysian Navy – Khaled Nordin - Defence Security Asia
First LCS KD Maharaja Lela Set for Delivery to Royal Malaysian Navy in 2026 - Army Recognition
LCS ‘Maharaja Lela’ Successfully Launched In Perak - The Rakyat Post
Malaysia’s First Littoral Combat Ship Maharaja Lela Enters Water - navalnews.com
Future Malaysia Navy Littoral Combat Ship LCS Maharaja Lela finally en - Army Recognition
Retaining Boustead Naval Shipyard for LCS job aimed at avoiding larger expenses, says Tok Mat - The Edge Malaysia
Report: All 5 littoral combat ships will only be ready by 2029, says PAC - Focus Malaysia
Boustead Naval Shipyard to reach settlement with CAD and CED, according to term sheet - The Edge Malaysia
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Seeks More Witnesses In Littoral Combat Ship Investigation - Overt Defense -
Littoral Combat Ship contractors seek indemnity as part of contract termination settlement - The Edge Malaysia
Ex-Boustead Heavy Industries MD charged with CBT in navy’s littoral combat ship scandal - Malay Mail
Littoral Combat Ship Still in Troubled Waters - Asian Military Review
Defence ministry wants RM180 mil for delay in combat ship delivery - Free Malaysia Today
Malaysia's littoral combat ship project faces MYR1.4 billion cost overrun, delays - Janes
Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth Sidelined in Singapore with Propulsion System Damage - USNI News
All information on this page is drawn from the cited public news sources above.Back to all issues