View source for Royal Malaysian Navy

{{short description|Naval warfare branch of Malaysia's military}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Royal Malaysian Navy
| native_name                   = {{lang|ms|Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia}}<br>{{lang|ms-arab|{{Script|Arab|تنترا لا{{Jawi-HamzaThreeQuarter}}وت دراج مليسيا}}}}
| image                         = Badge of the Royal Malaysian Navy.svg
| image_size                    = 110px
| caption                       = Crest of the Royal Malaysian Navy
| dates                         = 
| country                       = {{flag|Malaysia|size=23px}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Navy]]
| role                          = [[Naval warfare]]
| size                          = {{ubl|18,000 personnel<ref name=IISSp271>{{cite book| url=https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance| title=The Military Balance 2023| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2023| publisher=Taylor & Francis| location=[[London]]| page= 271| isbn=978-1000910704}}</ref><ref name="nato canada">{{cite web|url=http://natoassociation.ca/the-royal-malaysian-navy-an-assessment/|title=The Royal Malaysian Navy: An Assessment|author=Shahryar Pasandideh|publisher=[[NATO]] ([[The Atlantic Council of Canada]])|date=24 August 2015|access-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303142344/http://natoassociation.ca/the-royal-malaysian-navy-an-assessment/|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>|2 Submarines|2 Frigates + (5 u/c)|4 Corvettes + (3 u/c)|10 Offshore patrol vessels|19 Fast attack craft|43 Fast interceptor craft|4 Minesweepers|1 Diving support vessel (u/c)|2 Multi-role support ships|2 Auxiliary ships|3 Training ship|1 Submarine rescue ship|5 Hydrographic survey vessels|12 Helicopters + (2 u/c)|18 Unmanned aerial vehicles}}
| command_structure             = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Malaysian Armed Forces.svg|size=23px}} [[Malaysian Armed Forces]]
| garrison                      = [[RMN Lumut Naval Base]], [[Lumut, Malaysia|Lumut]], [[Perak]]
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = TLDM ''(Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia)''
| patron                        = HM The King of Malaysia
| motto                         = ''Sedia Berkorban''<br>{{small|(Ready to Sacrifice)}}
| colours                       = 
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = ''Samudera Raya''<br>{{small|(Great Ocean)}}
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = {{blist|[[World War II]]|[[Malayan Emergency]]|[[Sarawak Communist Insurgency]] |[[Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation]] |[[Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89)|Communist Insurgency in Malaysia]]|[[United Nations Iran–Iraq Military Observer Group|UNIMOG]]|[[2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake]]|[[2006 East Timorese crisis#Malaysia|2006 East Timorese Crisis]]|[[Operation Astute]]|[[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon#Former contributors|MALCON-UNIFIL]]|[[International Security Assistance Force#Non-NATO and non-EAPC nations|ISAF]] | [[War on Terrorism]]|[[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa]]|[[Operation Dawn 8: Gulf of Aden]]|[[Cross border attacks in Sabah|Cross Border Attacks in Sabah]]|[[2013 Lahad Datu standoff|2013 Lahad Datu Standoff]]||[[MT Orkim Harmony hijacking|MT Orkim Harmony Hijacking]]
}}
| anniversaries                 = 27 April
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = {{ubl|[[Battle of Malaya|Perang Dunia Kedua 1941-45]]|[[Malayan Emergency|Darurat 1948-60]]|[[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|Konfrontasi 1963-65]]|[[2013 Lahad Datu standoff|Daulat Feb 2013]]}}
| website                       = {{URL|http://navy.mil.my/}}<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[Sharafuddin of Selangor|HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah]] of [[Selangor]]
| commander1_label              = Captain-in-Chief
| commander2                    = [[Admiral]] Datuk [[Zulhelmy Ithnain]]
| commander2_label              = [[Chief of Navy (Malaysia)|Chief of Navy]]
| commander3                    = [[Vice Admiral]] Dato' Shamsuddin Ludin
| commander3_label              = Deputy Chief of Navy
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Commissioning Pennant of Malaysia.svg|200px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = Commissioning pennant
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Naval Ensign of Malaysia.svg|200px|border]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:Flag_of_Malaysia.svg|200px|border]]
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Roundel of Malaysia – Naval Aviation.svg|90px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Ensign
| identification_symbol_3_label = Jack
| identification_symbol_4_label = Roundel
| start_date                    = {{start date and age|1934|4|27|df=yes}}
}}

The '''Royal Malaysian Navy''' ('''RMN''', {{langx|ms|Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia; TLDM}}; [[Jawi alphabet|Jawi]]: {{lang|ms-arab|{{Script|Arab|تنترا لا{{Jawi-HamzaThreeQuarter}}وت دراج مليسيا}}}}) is the naval arm of the [[Malaysian Armed Forces]]. RMN is the main agency responsible for the country's maritime surveillance and defence operations. RMN's area of operation consists of 603,210 square kilometers covering the country's coastal areas and [[Exclusive economic zone|Exclusive Economic Zones]] (EEZ). RMN also bears the responsibility of controlling the country's main [[Sea lines of communication|Sea Lines of Communications]] (SLOC) such as the [[Straits of Malacca]] and the [[Singapore Straits|Straits of Singapore]] and also monitors national interests in areas with overlapping claims such as in [[Spratly Islands|Spratly]].

==History==
===Straits Settlement Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve===
The Royal Malaysian Navy can trace its roots to the formation of the Straits Settlement Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (SSRNVR) in Singapore on 27 April 1934 by the [[British Empire|British colonial government]] in Singapore. The SSRNVR was formed to assist the [[Royal Navy]] in the [[Battle of Singapore|defence of Singapore]], upon which the defence of the [[Malay Peninsula]] was based. Also behind its formation were political developments in Asia, particularly the rise of a Japan that was [[Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere|increasingly assertive in Asia]]. In 1938, the SSRNVR was expanded with a branch in [[Penang]]. On 18 January 1935, the [[British Admiralty]] presented Singapore with an {{sclass|Acacia|sloop|2}}, {{HMS|Laburnum}}, to serve as the Reserve's Headquarters and drill ship. It was berthed at the Telok Ayer Basin. HMS ''Laburnum'' was sunk in February 1942, prior to the capitulation of Singapore at the beginning of [[World War II|Second World War]] activities in the Pacific.

With the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe, the SSRNVR increased the recruitment of mainly indigenous personnel into the force, to beef up local defences as Royal Navy resources were required in Europe. Members of the SSRNVR were called up to active duty and the force was augmented by members of the Royal Navy Malay Section. This formed the basis of the navy in Malaya, called the Malay Navy, manned by indigenous [[Ethnic Malays|Malay]] personnel. (Similarly, the Malays were recruited into the fledgling [[Royal Malay Regiment|Malay Regiment]] formed in 1936). The Malay Navy had a strength of 400 men who received their training at HMS Pelandok, the Royal Navy training establishment in Malaya. Recruitment was increased and in 1941 at the outbreak of the war in Asia, the Malay Navy had a strength of 1,450 men. Throughout the Second World War, the Malay Navy served with the Allied Forces in the Indian and Pacific theatre of operations. When the war ended with the [[Surrender of Japan|Japanese Surrender]] in 1945, only 600 personnel of the Malay Navy reported for muster. Post war economic constraints saw the disbandment of the Malay Navy in 1947.

===After world war II – Formation of the Malayan Naval Force===
[[File:HMS Loch Insh 1944 IWM FL 14742.jpg|thumb|left|[[HMS Loch Insh (K433)|HMS ''Loch Insh'']], which later became Malaysia's flagship.]]
The Malay Navy was reactivated on 24 December 1948 at the outbreak of the [[Malayan Emergency]], the communist-inspired insurgent war against the British colonial government. The Malayan Naval Force (MNF) regulation was gazetted on 4 March 1949 by the colonial authorities and was based at an ex-[[Royal Air Force]] radio base station in [[Woodlands, Singapore]]. The base was called the 'MNF Barracks' but was later renamed HMS ''Malaya''. The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) was reconstituted as a joint force comprising the Singapore Division and the Federation Division, by an Ordinance passed in Singapore in 1952.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/my~w.html|title=War Ensign (Malaysia) – Royal Malaysian Navy|publisher=CRW Flags|date=6 November 2003|access-date=2 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917063648/http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/my~w.html|archive-date=17 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The main mission of the Malayan Naval Force (MNF) was coastal patrols to stop the communists receiving supplies from the sea. In addition, the Force was tasked with guarding the approaches to Singapore and other ports. The MNF was equipped with a {{sclass2|River|frigate|2}}, HMS ''Test'', which was used as a training ship. By 1950, the MNF fleet had expanded to include the ex-Japanese [[minelayer]] [[Japanese minelayer Wakataka|HMS ''Laburnum'']], Landing Craft Tank (LCT) HMS ''Pelandok'' ("Mousedeer"), motor fishing vessel HMS ''Panglima'' ("Marshal"), torpedo recovery vessel HMS ''Simbang'' and several [[Harbour Defence Motor Launch|seaward defence motor launches]] (SDML). In August 1952, Queen [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] bestowed the title "Royal Malayan Navy" on the Malayan Naval Force in recognition of its sterling service in action during the Malayan Emergency.

===Independence===
{{Multiple image
|image2=Naval Ensign of Malaysia (1963-1968).svg
|image1=Naval Ensign of Malaya (1957-1963).svg
|caption2= Ensign (1963–1968).
|caption1= Ensign (1957–1963).
}}
On 12 July 1958, soon after attaining its independence on 31 August 1957, the [[Federation of Malaya]] negotiated with the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]] to transfer British naval assets to the newly formed Royal Malayan Navy. With the hoisting of the Federation naval ensign – the White Ensign modified by the substituting the [[Union Flag]] with the Federation flag in the canton – the Royal Malayan Navy became responsible for Malaya's maritime self-defence. The "Royal" in Royal Malayan Navy was now in reference to the [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]], who became the [[Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces]]. All ships, facilities and personnel serving in the Royal Malayan Navy were inherited by the Malayan government. The new force had an operational and training base at HMMS ''Malaya'' and a small coastal fleet of one LCT, one coastal minelayer, six {{sclass2|Ham|minesweeper|2}}s and seven [[Ton-class minesweeper|Ton-class]] minesweeper (the ex-RN 200th Patrol Squadron) on transfer from the Royal Navy.

On 16 September 1963, the naval force was renamed the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), following the formation of Malaysia. Eighteen [[Keris class|Keris-class]] were ordered from Vosper and formed the mainstay of the navy for years to come. These {{convert|103|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} boats were driven by Maybach [[Diesel engine|diesels]] and capable of {{convert|27|kn|lk=in|0}}. The ''Keris'' patrol boats were confined to coastal patrols and had short endurance. An offensive capability was acquired with the purchase of four {{sclass2|Brave|patrol boat|2}}<nowiki/>s also known as Perkasa-class patrol boats in RMN service. The ''Perkasa'' patrol boats were built for the RMN by [[VT Group|Vosper Thorneycroft]] in 1967, powered by three [[Rolls-Royce Limited|Rolls-Royce]] Marine Proteus gas turbines as the main power plant with two diesel auxiliary engines for cruising and manoeuvring. These were armed with four {{convert|21|in|cm|adj=on|0}} [[torpedo]]es, one [[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60|Bofors 40&nbsp;mm gun]] forward and one 20&nbsp;mm cannon aft. They had a maximum speed of {{convert|54|kn|km/h|0}} and was driven by triple [[propeller]]s. The Royal Navy transferred the {{sclass2|Loch|frigate|2}} {{HMS|Loch Insh|K433|6}} to the RMN in 1964 and renamed KD (''Kapal Di-Raja'', "His Majesty's Ship") ''Hang Tuah''. In 1965, during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|Indonesian confrontation]], ''Hang Tuah'' took over guardship duties off [[Tawau]] from {{HMAS|Yarra|DE 45|6}}. The ship served as the [[flagship]] of the RMN until it was [[Ship commissioning#Ship decommissioning|decommissioned]] in the 1970s and [[Ship breaking|scrapped]]. The RMN also used some of the decommissioned ship as a part of navy monument. This shop can be toured at [[Bandar Hilir]], Melaka or at the [[RMN Lumut Naval Base|Lumut Naval Base]].

===Malaysianisation===
[[File:HMAS Yarra (DE 45) underway c1962.jpg|thumb|right|{{HMAS|Yarra|DE 45|6}}, an [[Australian Navy]] ship that guarded Malaysia during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|Indonesian confrontation]].]]
Following the end of [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation|Indonesian confrontation]] in 1966, [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]] and his colleagues decided to Malaysianise the top posts in the navy and air force. They offered these posts to two senior Malaysian army generals, who declined for two main reasons. First they felt that they were not professionally qualified and second because they did not want to jeopardise their own careers in the army. Tunku and his colleagues then decided that they would select two officers, one from the navy and one from the air force, and appoint them chiefs of their respective services. They were fully aware of Rear Admiral [[K. Thanabalasingam|Datuk K. Thanabalasingam's]] age —he was 31 years old and a bachelor- but decided to appoint him and take the risk. Under Thanabalasingam and with Tunku Abdul Rahman's foresight and will, they were responsible for initiating the gradual transformation of the navy from a coastal navy (brown water force) to a sea-going navy (green water navy).

===1970s onwards===
In 1977, the RMN acquired the frigate [[KD Hang Tuah|HMS ''Mermaid'']] from the Royal Navy to replace the decommissioned ''Hang Tuah''. The ship was also named {{ship|KD|Hang Tuah}}, but retained HMS ''Mermaid''{{'}}s pennant number of F76. ''Hang Tuah'' is a 2,300 standard ton light patrol frigate armed with twin 102&nbsp;mm guns. ''Hang Tuah'' gradually reverted to a training role and continues in that role for the RMN. {{ship|KD|Rahmat}} (ex-''Hang Jebat'') (F24) joined the RMN in 1972. The 2,300-ton ship was a one-off Yarrow light frigate design for the RMN. The ship was originally named ''Hang Jebat'' but renamed after initial propulsion problems during [[Ship commissioning|pre-commissioning]] [[Sea trial|trials]]. It was the first Malaysian naval vessel equipped with a missile ([[Seacat missile|Seacat]]) system. ''Rahmat'' was decommissioned in 2004.

The RMN purchased several types of missile boats in the 1970s and 1980s. These were four [[Perdana-class missile boat|Perdana-class]] missile boats purchased from France and four [[Handalan-class missile boat|Handalan-class]] missile boats purchased from Sweden. Both classes were armed with the [[Exocet MM38]] missiles. The RMN also acquired two 1,100-ton [[Musytari-class offshore patrol vessel|Musytari-class]] offshore patrol vessels of [[Korea]]n design. Sealift requirements were met by the purchases of several ex-[[United States Navy]] [[World War II]]-era [[Landing Ship, Tank|LSTs]]. KD ''Sri Langkawi'' (A1500), ex-{{USS|Hunterdon County|LST-838|6}}, KD ''Sri Banggi'' (A1501), ex-{{USS|Henry County|LST-824|6}} and KD ''Rajah Jarom'' (A1502), ex-{{USS|Sedgwick County|LST-1123|6}}, were replaced by KD ''Sri Indera Pura'' (1505), the {{sclass|Newport|tank landing ship|0}} LST ex-{{USS|Spartanburg County|LST-1192|6}}. Additional sealift capability is provided by two 4,300-ton, 100-metre support ships, [[KD Sri Indera Sakti|KD ''Sri Indera Sakti'' (1503)]] and [[KD Merong Mahawangsa|KD ''Mahawangsa'' (1504)]]. Minehunting capabilities are provided by four {{sclass|Mahamiru|minehunter|2}}s. These are Italian-built ships based on the [[Lerici-class minehunter|Lerici-class]] but displacing 610&nbsp;tons. [[Hydrography|Hydrographic]] duties are handled by KD ''Perantau'' and KD ''Mutiara''. A Naval Air Wing was also founded with the purchase of ex-Royal Navy [[Westland Wasp]]s. Some ships of the RMN that have been decommissioned was transferred to the [[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency]] (MMEA). MMEA had received more than 20 vessels from the RMN fleet to equip its enforcement operations from 2000s onwards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/6/27/southneast/14644773&sec=southneast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511103753/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F6%2F27%2Fsouthneast%2F14644773&sec=southneast|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 May 2008|title=Four Navy vessels handed over to agency|work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|date=27 June 2006|access-date=28 June 2006}}</ref>

===Modernisation===
[[File:KD Lekiu(FFG30) and KD Jebat(FFG29) with USS George Washington (CVN 73).jpeg|thumb|right|{{sclass|Lekiu|frigate|2}}s and {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|2}} during a transit of the [[Andaman Sea]].]]
The modernisation of the RMN began in the late 1980s. Four {{sclass2|Laksamana|corvette}}s were purchased from Italy. These compact ships were originally built for Iraq, but were not delivered due to international sanctions put in place against Iraq. A prominent addition to the fleet were two {{sclass|Lekiu|frigate}}s. Based on the Yarrow F2000 design, the two 2,300-ton frigates are armed with [[Exocet MM40 II]] SSM and the [[Sea Wolf (missile)|Sea Wolf]] VLS point defence SAM system with accommodation for one [[AgustaWestland|Westland]] [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx]] helicopter.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Charles A. Meconis|author2=Michael D. Wallace|title=East Asian Naval Weapons Acquisitions in the 1990s: Causes, Consequences, and Responses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2rv6D-NE9AAC&pg=PA82|year=2000|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-275-96251-7|pages=82–}}</ref> Malaysia had planned to add new batch of ''Lekiu'' frigates but this was cancelled in August 2009. Complementing the two ''Lekiu'' frigates are two German-built [[Kasturi-class frigate|''Kasturi''-class corvettes]] which were delivered in the early 1980s. Two [[Scorpène-class submarine]]s were ordered by the RMN on 5 June 2002 under a €1.04 billion (about RM4.78 billion) contract to form the new submarine force.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2002&dt=0606&pub=utusan_express&sec=front_page&pg=fp_01.htm&arc=hive|title=Malaysia buys two new submarines|work=[[Utusan Malaysia]]|date=6 June 2002|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308025423/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2002&dt=0606&pub=utusan_express&sec=front_page&pg=fp_01.htm&arc=hive|archive-date=8 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> RMN also purchased six {{sclass|Kedah|offshore patrol vessel}}s and a batch of Littoral Mission Ships namely {{sclass|Keris|littoral mission ship|1}} and [[Ada-class corvette|''Ada''-class corvette]] to strengthen the fleet. In addition, the construction of new modern {{sclass|Maharaja Lela|frigate|1}} also will make the RMN as a formidable power in the region.

===Anti-piracy efforts===
{{main|Piracy off the coast of Somalia|Piracy in the Strait of Malacca|Piracy in the Sulu Sea}}
The Royal Malaysian Navy has been [[Anti-piracy measures in Somalia|patrolling the Gulf of Aden to thwart piracy]] since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-somalia-piracy-malaysia-idUKTRE5000S820090101|title=Malaysian helicopter saves ship from Somali pirates|author1=Faisal Aziz|author2=Dean Yates|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=1 January 2009|access-date=2 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510070108/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-somalia-piracy-malaysia-idUKTRE5000S820090101|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2011, the navy [[Operation Dawn 8: Gulf of Aden|foiled a hijacking attempt]] against the Malaysian-flagged [[Tanker (ship)|chemical tanker]] MT ''Bunga Laurel'' carrying lubricating oil and [[ethylene dichloride]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12258442|title=Malaysia navy foils ship hijack attempt, seizes pirates|work=[[BBC News]]|date=22 January 2011|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123045819/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12258442|archive-date=23 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=John Garofano|author2=Andrea J. Dew|title=Deep Currents and Rising Tides: The Indian Ocean and International Security|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ZH-r-Hwet8C&pg=PT58|date=29 April 2013|publisher=Georgetown University Press|isbn=978-1-58901-968-3|pages=58–}}</ref> The navy ship [[KA Bunga Mas Lima|KA ''Bunga Mas 5'']] responded after receiving a distress signal from the ship. A [[Eurocopter Fennec|Fennec]] attack helicopter was used to pin down the pirate mothership as commandos boarded the tanker. The commandos injured three pirates in the battle to re-take the ship. 23 sailors were rescued and seven Somali pirates were detained. According to an 11 February 2011 online breaking news update by [[CNN]]'s Brad Lendon, the seven Somalis, including three boys under 15 years old, could face the death penalty if convicted on charges of firing on Malaysian armed forces- navy commandos- while attempting to hijack the ship. The seven was sentenced for four to seven years in prison by Malaysian High Court on 2 September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sinarharian.com.my/semasa/7-lanun-somalia-dipenjara-1.197930|title=7 lanun Somalia dipenjara|author=Siti Azielah Wahi|language=ms|publisher=[[Sinar Harian]]|date=2 September 2013|access-date=15 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104145813/http://www.sinarharian.com.my/semasa/7-lanun-somalia-dipenjara-1.197930|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The ship was rescued {{convert|555|km|nmi mi}} from the coast of [[Oman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/malaysian-navy-foils-hijack-attempt-off-oman-2191527.html|title=Malaysian navy foils hijack attempt off Oman|author=Alex Richardson|agency=Reuters|work=[[The Independent]]|date=22 January 2011|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124032126/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/malaysian-navy-foils-hijack-attempt-off-oman-2191527.html|archive-date=24 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/01/20111225132323865.html|title=Malaysia navy frees hijacked tanker|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|date=22 January 2011|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306030414/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/01/20111225132323865.html|archive-date=6 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Royal Malaysian Navy was also involved in the operation to secure the release of {{ship|MT|Orkim Harmony}} that was [[MT Orkim Harmony hijacking|hijacked]] in 2015 by a group of Indonesian pirates. All of the pirates were captured with the help of [[Vietnam Border Guard]] (VNBG), [[Vietnam Coast Guard]] (VNCG),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1145776|title=All On Board MT Orkim Harmony Safe, Pirates Nabbed By Vietnamese Authorities|publisher=[[Bernama]]|date=19 June 2015|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619144821/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1145776|archive-date=19 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Royal Australian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/node/89238|title=EXCLUSIVE: 'We passed ship the first time'|author1=Farrah Naz Karim|author2=Tasnim Lokman|publisher=[[New Straits Times]]|date=22 June 2015|access-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622090656/http://www.nst.com.my/node/89238|archive-date=22 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Indonesian Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ihsmaritime360.com/article/19147/indonesian-navy-arrests-tanker-hijacking-suspect|title=Indonesian Navy arrests tanker hijacking suspect|author=Titus Zheng|publisher=IHS Maritime 360|date=1 September 2015|access-date=2 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902202613/http://www.ihsmaritime360.com/article/19147/indonesian-navy-arrests-tanker-hijacking-suspect|archive-date=2 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Perak F173.jpg|thumb|[[KD Perak (F173)|KD ''Perak'']], the {{sclass|Kedah|offshore patrol vessel}} involved in the blockade during Lahad Datu standoff.]]

===Sulu militants intrusion on Sabah===
{{main|2013 Lahad Datu standoff}}
Following the Sulu militants' intrusion, a military standoff lasted from 11 February 2013 until 24 March 2013<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.astroawani.com/videos/show/buletin-awani/kronologi-pencerobohon-lahad-datu-25523|title=Kronologi pencerobohon Lahad Datu|language=ms|medium=video|time=1:20|publisher=[[Astro Awani]]|date=15 February 2014|access-date=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302221625/http://www.astroawani.com/videos/show/buletin-awani/kronologi-pencerobohon-lahad-datu-25523|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> after 235 militants, most of whom were armed,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-aquino-calls-talks-sabah-080626445.html|title=Philippines' Aquino calls for talks on Sabah|work=[[Agence France-Presse]]|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|date=17 March 2013|access-date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319235309/http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-aquino-calls-talks-sabah-080626445.html|archive-date=19 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> arrived by boats in [[Lahad Datu]], [[Sabah]], Malaysia from [[Simunul, Tawi-Tawi|Simunul]] island, [[Tawi-Tawi]] in the southern Philippines on 11 February 2013.<ref name="Kiram III">{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/64577/heirs-of-sultan-of-sulu-pursue-sabah-claim-on-their-own|title=Heirs of Sultan of Sulu pursue Sabah claim on their own|publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=16 February 2013|access-date=20 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221050143/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/64577/heirs-of-sultan-of-sulu-pursue-sabah-claim-on-their-own|archive-date=21 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/66287/aquino-surrender-order-not-acceptable-kirams|title=No surrender, we stay|author1=Michael Ubac|author2=Dona Z. Pazzibugan|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=3 March 2013|access-date=3 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304071927/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/66287/aquino-surrender-order-not-acceptable-kirams|archive-date=4 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/15/world/asia/malaysia-philippines-standoff|title=Filipino group on Borneo claims to represent sultanate, Malaysia says|author=Jethro Mullen|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=15 February 2013|access-date=25 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223080106/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/15/world/asia/malaysia-philippines-standoff|archive-date=23 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The group, calling themselves the "Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo", was sent by [[Jamalul Kiram III]], one of the claimants to the throne of the [[Sultanate of Sulu]].<ref name="Kiram III"/> Kiram stated that their objective was to assert the unresolved [[North Borneo dispute|territorial claim]] of the Philippines to the eastern part of Sabah (which is the former [[North Borneo]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/02/23/912045/sultanate-sulu-wants-sabah-returned-phl|title=Sultanate of Sulu wants Sabah returned to Phl|author=Mike Frialde|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=23 February 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224030759/http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/02/23/912045/sultanate-sulu-wants-sabah-returned-phl|archive-date=24 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Malaysian security forces surrounded the village of Tanduo in Lahad Datu where the group had gathered and after several weeks of negotiations and broken deadlines for the intruders to withdraw, security forces moved in and routed the militants. The Royal Malaysian Navy enforced a naval blockade during and after the standoff to ensure that no more Sulu militants would be able to reach Sabah. The assets allocated for the blockade included {{ship|KD|Jebat}}, [[KD Perak (F173)|KD ''Perak'']], [[Jerung-class gunboat|KD ''Todak'']], among many others. The RMN also provided a [[PASKAL|naval special warfare unit]] for joint operations with army, air force and police commandos to track down and neutralise any militants left after the standoff.

==Commanders==
[[File:RMN Organisation.jpg|887x887px]]

===List of chiefs of the Royal Malaysian Navy===
{{Main|Chief of Navy (Malaysia)}}
Source.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil.my/index.php/mengenai/latar-belakang/mantan-panglima-tentera-laut |title=Mantan Panglima Tentera Laut |language=ms |publisher=Royal Malaysian Navy |access-date=7 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126190801/http://www.navy.mil.my/index.php/mengenai/latar-belakang/mantan-panglima-tentera-laut |archive-date=26 January 2016  }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! No !! Name !! Term Began !! Term Ended
|-
| 1 || Commodore [[Edward Dudley Norman]] || 15 May 1957 || 7 February 1960
|-
| 2 || Captain W.J. Dovers || 8 February 1960 || 13 July 1962
|-
| 3 || Commodore [[Anthony Synnot|A.M. Synnot]] || 14 July 1962 || March 1965
|-
| 4 || Commodore A.N. Dollard || March 1965 || 30 November 1967
|-
| 5 || Rear Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri [[K. Thanabalasingam]] || 1 December 1967 || 31 December 1976
|-
| 6 || Vice Admiral Dato' Mohammad Zain Mohammad Salleh || 1 January 1977 || 31 Januari 1986
|-
| 7 || Vice Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Wahab Hj Nawi || 1 February 1986 || 31 October 1990
|-
| 8 || Vice Admiral Tan Sri Mohammad Shariff Ishak || 1 November 1990 || 12 October 1995
|-
| 9 || Vice Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Hj Mohd Nor || 13 October 1995 || 14 October 1998
|-
| 10 || Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri [[Abu Bakar Abdul Jamal]] || 14 October 1998 || 12 August 2002
|-
| 11 || Admiral Datuk Mohammad Ramly Abu Bakar || 13 August 2002 || 12 August 2003
|-
| 12 || Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri [[Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor]] || 13 August 2003 || 27 April 2005
|-
| 13 || Admiral Tan Sri Ilyas Hj Din || 28 April 2005 || 14 November 2006
|-
| 14 || Admiral Tan Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali || 15 November 2006 || 31 March 2008
|-
| 15 || Admiral Tan Sri Dato' Seri [[Abdul Aziz Jaafar|Abdul Aziz Hj Jaafar]] || 1 April 2008 || 18 November 2015
|-
| 16 || Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Hj Ahmad Badaruddin || 18 November 2015 || 29 November 2018
|-
| 17 || Admiral Tan Sri [[Mohd Reza Mohd Sany]]|| 30 November 2018 || 27 January 2023
|-
| 18 || Admiral Tan Sri [[Abdul Rahman Ayob|Abdul Rahman Hj Ayob]]|| 27 January 2023|| 1 August 2024
|-
| 19 || Admiral Datuk [[Zulhelmy Ithnain]]|| 1 August 2024|| current
|}
<gallery>
File:Laksamana Tan Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali dan Almirante Manuel Otero.jpg | Admiral Tan Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali in Spain
File:Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulazaman Bin Haji Ahmad Badaruddin, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) CNS exchanging mementos with Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, FOCINC EAST.jpg | Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Hj Ahmad Badaruddin in India
</gallery>

== Ranks ==
{{main|Malaysian military ranks}}Sleeve insignia were similar from those of the Royal Navy, but rarely used and mostly used especially during foreign visits.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/Malaysia}}
|}

The [[Sultan of Selangor]], as [[Commodore-in-Chief]] of the RMN, holds the rank of Honorary Rear Admiral and as such wears a normal Rear Admiral's uniform.

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/Malaysia}}
|}

==Structure==
[[File:Scorpene Tunku Abdul Rahman.jpg|thumb|right|RMN [[Scorpène-class submarine]].]]
[[File:KD Lekiu night at the naval port.jpg|thumb|right|RMN [[Lekiu-class frigate]].]]
[[File:A Royal Malaysian Navy Super Lynx helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) in the South China Sea during landing qualifications June 18, 2013, as part 130618-N-PD773-083.jpg|thumb|right|RMN [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx ASW helicopter]].]]
* Squadron Submarine
* Squadron 23rd Frigate
* Squadron 22nd Corvette
* Squadron 24th Corvette
* Squadron 17th PV
* Squadron 11th LMS
* Squadron 1st FAC 
* Squadron 2nd FAC
* Squadron 6th FAC 
* Squadron 13th PC 
* Squadron Fast Troop Vessel 
* Squadron 26th Mine Counter Measure Vessel
* Squadron 31st MPCSS
* Squadron 32nd Sealift
* Squadron 36th Hydro
* Squadron 27th Training Vessel
* Squadron Diving Tender
* Squadron Tug
* Squadron 501st Super Lynx
* Squadron 502nd Fennec
* Squadron 503rd AW139
* Squadron 601st UAS

==Fleets==
Royal Malaysian Navy have two main fleets:
* Western Fleet ([[Malay language|In Malay]]: ''Armada Barat'')
- The fleet HQ was at [[RMN Lumut Naval Base|Lumut Naval Base]], [[Lumut, Perak|Lumut]], [[Perak]]. The chief of the fleet is Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts. Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin.

* Eastern Fleet ([[Malay language|In Malay]]: ''Armada Timur'')
- The fleet HQ was at Sepanggar Naval Base, [[Sepanggar]], [[Sabah]]. The chief of the fleet is Vice Admiral Datuk Hj Muhammad Ruzelme bin Hj Ahmad Fahimy.

==Naval bases==
[[File:Royal Malaysian Navy Bases.png|600px|thumb|center|Bases of the Royal Malaysian Navy.]]
The RMN's Fleet HQ is called KD ''Malaya'', in [[Lumut, Malaysia|Lumut]], [[Perak]]. Other bases are located at [[Jalan Tanjung Gelang|Tanjung Gelang]], [[Kuantan]], [[Pahang]], which also serves as HQ Naval Region I and KD ''Sultan Ismail'' at [[Tanjung Pengelih]], [[Johor]], where the Recruit Training Centre is located. Bases are also located in [[Sandakan]], [[Sabah]]. The principal [[submarine base]] is located at [[Sepanggar]], [[Sabah]], which also serves as HQ Naval Region II.

Another base is constructed on [[Langkawi|Pulau Langkawi]], [[Kedah]] to provide the RMN with readier access into the Indian Ocean. Ready access into the Pacific Ocean is available via the existing base at [[Labuan]] and [[Semporna]], [[Sabah]].

===List of naval bases===
====Peninsular Malaysia====
[[File:HTA TLDM Lumut 2022.jpg|thumb|300px|RMN ships docking at Lumut naval base during the 2022 Fleet Open Day.]]
* [[RMN Lumut Naval Base]], [[Lumut, Malaysia|Lumut]], [[Perak]] (HQ Western Fleet and location of [[Lumut Naval Shipyard|LUNAS]])
* TLDM [[Jalan Tanjung Gelang|Tanjung Gelang]], [[Kuantan]], [[Pahang]] (HQ Naval Region I)
* TLDM Bukit Malut, [[Langkawi]], [[Kedah]] (HQ Naval Region III) (KD Badlishah)
* TLDM [[Tanjung Pengelih]], [[Johor]] (Recruit Training Centre) (PULAREK) (KD Sultan Ismail)
* National Hydrographic Centre, [[Pulau Indah]], [[Selangor]] (KD Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah)
* TLDM Johor Bahru, [[Johor Bahru]], [[Johor]] (KD Sri Medini)

====East Malaysia====
* TLDM [[Sepanggar]], [[Kota Kinabalu]], [[Sabah]] (HQ Eastern Fleet and HQ Submarine Force) 
* TLDM [[Labuan]], [[Federal Territory (Malaysia)|Federal Territory]]
* TLDM [[Sandakan]], [[Sabah]] (HQ Naval Region II)
* TLDM [[Semporna]], [[Sabah]]
* TLDM [[Kuching]], [[Sarawak]]
* TLDM [[Bintulu]], [[Sarawak]] (construction confirmed)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/28438/malaysia-to-establish-marine-corps-naval-base-close-to-james-shoal|title=Malaysia to establish marine corps, naval base close to James Shoal|author=Dzirhan Mahadzir|publisher=IHS Jane's 360|date=15 October 2013|access-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022075958/http://www.janes.com/article/28438/malaysia-to-establish-marine-corps-naval-base-close-to-james-shoal|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* TLDM [[Tawau]], [[Sabah]] (KD Sri Tawau)
* Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Base, [[Semporna]], [[Sabah]] (a decommissioned oil rig that were retrofitted into a permanent sea base)

===Offshore bases===
[[File:KotaKinabalu Sabah TelukSapanggar-RoyalNavy-01.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The RMN base in [[Sepanggar]] Bay, [[Kota Kinabalu]], Sabah.]]
The Royal Malaysian Navy's five naval stations were originally built on outlying atolls, with the most developed [[Swallow Reef|Station Lima]] now expanded to a comfortably habitable naval station and also a popular diving spot in the region, in contrast with its harsh original conditions in 1983. On 21 June 1980 a claim plaque was erected on the island and three years later eighteen [[PASKAL]] men went ashore in May 1983 to build the first encampment while braving the elements. At the time, the only infrastructure available was a helipad for personnel transfer and the sailors had to camp under the open skies on the bare reef. When the naval station proper was constructed six years later with the construction of a small living-cum-operations quarters, it was also decided that the enlarged island the atoll had become would also be developed as a tourist attraction so that the tourism potential of the island could be exploited.

Thus by 1995, more buildings were added, including two air-conditioned accommodation blocks, an aircraft landing strip, two hangars, a radar station, an air traffic control tower, watchtowers and a jetty. The aviation facilities on the island allow the operation of [[C130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] transport planes and [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CN-235]] maritime patrol aircraft operated by the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]. These facilities made the island a proper island station code-named Station Lima. Patrols by navy soldiers in [[CB90-class fast assault craft|CB90]] attack boats and larger patrol vessels such as the [[Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel]]s are carried out around the island. The [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] also operate frequently on the airstrip. Several anti-ship and anti-aircraft guns are placed on several areas on the island and the RMAF personnel operate a [[Starburst (missile)|Starburst]] air defence system to prevent low-level air attacks. The rest of the stations were originally floating barge type habitat modules constructed on mainland Malaysia. Location selection and module positioning was done during high tide so that they could be more easily anchored during low tide and after found satisfactory, the modules were landed and filled in with cement and rocks to strengthen their anchorages. They are all also equipped with radar and ship docking facilities as well as water and power generation facilities. Soldiers are stationed on all stations.

====Offshore stations====
* 1983 Station Lima ([[Swallow Reef]])
* 1986 Station Uniform ([[Ardasier Reef]])
* 1986 Station Mike ([[Mariveles Reef]])
* 1999 Station Sierra ([[Erica Reef]])
* 1999 Station Papa ([[Investigator Shoal]])

==Special forces==
{{main|PASKAL}}
[[File:Paskal2.jpg|thumb|right|RMN Special Operations Force PASKAL.]]
The special forces of the RMN is known as PASKAL (Pasukan Khas Laut or Naval Special Warfare Forces). In peacetime, the unit is tasked with responding to maritime hijacking incidents as well as protecting Malaysia's numerous offshore oil and gas platforms. Its wartime roles include seaborne infiltration, sabotaging of enemy naval assets and installations, and the defence of RMN vessels and bases. This unit is analogous to the [[United States Navy SEALs]]. On 15 April 2009, PASKAL was renamed KD Panglima Hitam (KD being the equivalent of HMS in the Royal Navy). The ceremony was held at the [[RMN Lumut Naval Base]] to honour PASKAL's courage and loyalty to the nation. Panglima Hitam was the name given to brave and loyal Malay warriors who served during the golden age of the Malay Rulers (Sultans and Rajas) of [[Perak]], [[Selangor]], [[Johor]] and [[Negeri Sembilan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil.my/content/view/403/18/lang,en/|title=KD Panglima Hitam Nama Baru PASKAL TLDM|language=ms|publisher=Royal Malaysian Navy|date=18 April 2009|access-date=18 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808050935/http://www.navy.mil.my/content/view/403/18/lang,en|archive-date=8 August 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{main|List of equipment of the Royal Malaysian Navy|List of historical equipment of the Royal Malaysian Navy}}

==Present development==
[[File:PASKAL_Maritime_Counter-Terrorism_strike_team_member_using_the_rappeling_from_Super_Lynx_helicopter_while_boarding_Tunda_Satu_naval_trawler_during_82nd_Anniversaries_of_Royal_Malaysian_Navy.JPG|alt=|thumb|[[PASKAL]] team member using the rappeling from [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx ASW helicopter]] during 82nd Anniversaries of RMN.]]
The navy has sought to modernise its fleet with the procurement of new vehicles through the New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV) program which produced the [[Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel]] and the Second Generation Patrol Vessel (SPGV) program which produced the [[Maharaja Lela-class frigate]]. It has also purchased [[Keris-class littoral mission ship]]s (patrol vessels) and ordered three [[Ada-class corvette]]s to fulfill its Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) program. Additionally, the navy has plans to procure a new class of [[Amphibious warfare ship|amphibious warfare ships]], [[Multi-role support ship (Malaysia)|Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS)]], for its fleet. As part of a modernisation plan launched in 2014, the navy has also launched the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) upgrade program for aging vessels.

===''Kedah''-class New Generation Patrol Vessel===
{{main|Kedah-class offshore patrol vessel}}
In 1996, the RMN planned to acquire a total of 27 New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV) to full fill its future requirement. The German [[Blohm + Voss]] [[MEKO 100]] based design was selected and a contract of six NGPVs was signed in 2003. However, due to management failure of the main contractor, PSC-Naval Dockyard Sdn Bhd (PSC-ND), progression was seriously delayed and led the programme into crisis. This may also affect the initial planned total number of NGPVs to be decreased. However, under the intervention of the Malaysian Government, [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation]] took over the PSC-ND, thus regaining momentum for the programme. After a long wait of 18 months, the first two hulls, [[KD Kedah (F171)|KD ''Kedah'']] commissioned in June 2006 and [[KD Pahang (F172)|KD ''Pahang'']] commissioned in August 2006. As of July 2009, all six ships had been launched. Subsequently, good progression of the programme has regained interest in the Malaysian decision makers to order the second batch of six NGPVs. Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Aziz bin Jaafar had recently unveiled that the navy is interested to have the second batch of NGPV [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] configured. The ASW configured NGPV is expected to be able to co-ordinate operations with the Scorpène submarines. The ships will also be upgrade with missiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/50908/malaysia-plans-to-upgrade-four-kedah-class-corvettes-for-asw-role|title=Malaysia plans to upgrade four Kedah-class corvettes for ASW role|author=Ridzwan Rahmat|publisher=IHS Jane's 360|date=23 April 2015|access-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424171119/http://www.janes.com/article/50908/malaysia-plans-to-upgrade-four-kedah-class-corvettes-for-asw-role|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Scorpène-class submarine===
Two {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|2}}s were ordered by the RMN on 5 June 2002 under a €1.04 billion (about RM4.78 billion) contract.<ref name=":0" /> The two Scorpène submarines were built jointly by the French shipbuilder, [[Naval Group]] and its Spanish partner, [[Navantia]]. They are armed with Blackshark wire-guided torpedoes and [[Exocet SM-39]] sub-launched anti-ship missiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/11/01/malaysian-sub-fires-first-shot/|title=Malaysian sub fires first shot|work=The Star|date=1 November 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109160749/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/01/Malaysian-sub-fires-first-shot/|archive-date=9 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/the-submarine-race-in-the-malaccan-strait/|title=The Submarine Race in the Malaccan Strait|author=Zachary Keck|publisher=[[The Diplomat (magazine)|The Diplomat]]|date=16 July 2013|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108042900/https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/the-submarine-race-in-the-malaccan-strait/|archive-date=8 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The submarine programme also included the redeployment of an ''Agosta''-class submarine retired from the [[French Navy]], for the training of submarine crews. The training of 150 Malaysian sailors, mainly in [[Brest, France|Brest]], France, represented an important aspect of the programme. In 2006, the RMN had launched a nationwide competition to select the names for the first two Malaysian submarines. On 26 July, RMN announced these vessels will be named after historic Malaysians. The first hull will be named [[KD Tunku Abdul Rahman|KD ''Tunku Abdul Rahman'']] and the second hull [[KD Tun Abdul Razak|KD ''Tun Abdul Razak'']]. These vessels are classified as ''Perdana Menteri'' class in service with RMN.<ref name="nato canada" /> The first vessel, KD ''Tunku Abdul Rahman'' was launched on 24 October 2007 at the Naval Group dockyard, [[Cherbourg-Octeville|Cherbourg]], France.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/24/nation/19259881&sec=nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024142512/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F10%2F24%2Fnation%2F19259881&sec=nation|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2007|title=First Malaysian sub launched|author=Choi Tuck Wo|work=The Star|date=24 October 2007|access-date=22 January 2015}}</ref>

On 3 September 2009, the first Scorpène submarine of Malaysia KD ''Tunku Abdul Rahman'', arrived at a Port Klang naval base on peninsular Malaysia's west coast after a 54-day voyage from France. Another base is also being constructed on Pulau Langkawi, Kedah to provide the RMN with readier access into the Indian Ocean. Ready access into the Pacific Ocean is available via the existing base at Semporna, Sabah. Defects and problems were found in the submarines such as the inability to submerge and faults in the coolant system of the first submarine, causing delays in the delivery of the second submarine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?id=4164|title=Malaysia's Scorpene submarine refuses to submerge|publisher=Defense World|date=16 February 2010|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723083355/http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?id=4164|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2012, the Malaysian Navy chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said that the submarines were in good condition and operational after all the defects repaired by manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/16/submarines-are-not-defective-navy-chief/|title=Submarines are not defective – Navy chief|author=Sandra Sokial|publisher=[[The Borneo Post]]|date=16 October 2012|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102075528/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/16/submarines-are-not-defective-navy-chief/|archive-date=2 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Utility and anti-submarine helicopter===
The Malaysian government is also considering to increase the total of helicopters for the RMN. This includes both utility and anti-submarine helicopter. In September 2020, it is confirmed that Malaysia has sign the contract to purchase three maritime operations helicopter for utility role. The model selected was [[AgustaWestland AW139]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/fifth-time-lucky/|title=Fifth Time Lucky|website=malaysiandefence.com|date=22 January 2021 }}</ref> For anti-submarine helicopter, RMN planned to add with either [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW-159]], [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk]] or the [[Eurocopter EC725|Airbus Helicopters H225M]]. In 2016, an Italian-aerospace defence company, the [[Finmeccanica]] has signed a teaming agreement with Malaysian defence vehicle company, the [[Weststar Defence Industries|Global Komited]] to jointly distribute AgustaWestland AW159 helicopters if it was selected by the Malaysian government.
Navy chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar unveiled an intention of the navy to acquire at least six [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] helicopters as a complement to the soon to be commissioned Maharaja Lela-class frigate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/malaysian-navy-to-seek-funding-for-asw-helicopters-223224/|title=Malaysian navy to seek funding for ASW helicopters|author=Siva Govindasamy|publisher=[[Flightglobal]]|date=25 April 2008|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325110115/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/malaysian-navy-to-seek-funding-for-asw-helicopters-223224/|archive-date=25 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/01/the-philippines-malaysia-and-vietnam-race-to-south-china-sea-defense-modernization/|title=The Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam Race to South China Sea Defense Modernization|author=Carl Thayer|publisher=The Diplomat|date=23 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124232603/https://thediplomat.com/2015/01/the-philippines-malaysia-and-vietnam-race-to-south-china-sea-defense-modernization/|archive-date=24 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS)===
{{main|Multi-role support ship (Malaysia)}}

RMN has an outstanding requirement for a Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS) to replace {{ship|KD|Sri Inderapura}}. The MRSS was to be included in the [[9th Malaysian Plan|Ninth Malaysian Plan]] but was postponed due to the [[2008 financial crisis]].

===''Maharaja Lela''-class frigate / Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)===

{{main|Maharaja Lela-class frigate}}

Malaysia has launched its program to procure new class of modern frigate. The program is called Second Generation Patrol Vessel. In 2014, Malaysia signed a contract agreement worth MYR9 billion (US$2.8 billion) which was awarded to [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation]] to build frigates under the program. The ships will be built based on the [[Gowind-class corvette|Gowind 2500 corvette]] designed by French shipbuilder [[Naval Group]].

===Littoral Mission Ship (LMS)===
{{main|Keris-class littoral mission ship|Ada-class corvette}}

Malaysia had planned to owned a total of 18 ships of the littoral mission ship in its fleet. In 2016, Malaysia agreed to purchase a littoral mission ship from China where the ships will be built by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International. The first ship will be delivered by 2019, the second and third by 2020 and the fourth by 2021 for the first batch of this program. For the second batch of littoral mission ship program, Malaysia had chooses Ada-class corvette made by Turkey company, Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik (STM). Three ship will be built for the second batch of littoral mission ship program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/its-the-ada-class-which-one/|title=Its the Ada Class, Which One?|date=16 March 2024 }}</ref>

===Unmanned aerial vehicle===
RMN has set a requirements for the maritime surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Under Maritime Security Initiatives (MSI) program initiated by United States, Malaysia will receive a total of 18 [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle]]. First six unit delivered to RMN in 2020 and another 12 unit in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parameswaran |first1=Prashanth |title=Drone Delivery Puts the Focus on US-Malaysia Security Cooperation |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/drone-delivery-puts-the-focus-on-us-malaysia-security-cooperation/ |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |access-date=1 April 2020}}</ref>

===Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)===
THALES Naval Division was selected as the contractor of the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) involving the ''Kasturi''-class corvettes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kasturi-class/|title=Kasturi Class Corvettes, Malaysia|publisher=naval-technology.com|access-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224145541/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kasturi-class/|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> – KD ''Kasturi'', KD ''Lekir'' and two ''Mahamiru'' (''Lerici'')-class minehunters – KD ''Mahamiru'', KD ''Ledang''. The corvettes will receive radar and fire control upgrade while the minehunters will receive the new wide band sonar, CAPTAS-2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/press-release/thales-board-littoral-combat-ships-royal-malaysian-navy|title=Thales On Board the Littoral Combat Ships of the Royal Malaysian Navy|publisher=[[Thales Group]]|date=18 February 2014|access-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303153957/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/press-release/thales-board-littoral-combat-ships-royal-malaysian-navy|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The program aim to extend the service life of these surface combatants by another 10 years.<ref name="klsreview.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.klsreview.com/HTML%20Pages%20/Sep_Nov%202007/20071006_2006%20Mindef%20Report.html|title=2006年国防部年度报告书之一：马来西亚采购6套FN-6 第2批护卫舰成本介于35亿令吉至50亿令吉|language=zh|publisher=KL Security Review|year=2006|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022135930/http://www.klsreview.com/HTML%20Pages%20/Sep_Nov%202007/20071006_2006%20Mindef%20Report.html|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/malaysia-buying-european-on-air-antiair-and-naval-fronts-updated-01598/|title=Malaysia Buying European on Air, Anti-Air, and Naval Fronts|publisher=Defense Industry Daily|date=9 December 2005|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225064315/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/malaysia-buying-european-on-air-antiair-and-naval-fronts-updated-01598/|archive-date=25 February 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the future, RMN also planned to give SLEP for other ships in the fleet to lengthening service period of older ships.

===15 to 5 program===

The RMN took a drastic approach by launching the '15 to 5' Fleet Transformation Program to ensure that the organisation continues as one of the powers in the region. The RMN Future Fleet 15 to 5 program is aimed at equipping the RMN with Scorpène-class submarines, ''Maharaja Lela''-class frigates, ''Kedah''-class offshore patrol vessels, Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) and Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-markets/Countries/Malaysia/Industries/Defence-Aerospace-and-Maritime|title=Industries – Export markets (Defence, Aerospace and Maritime to Malaysia)|publisher=[[Austrade]]|date=13 March 2014|access-date=22 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303154256/http://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-markets/Countries/Malaysia/Industries/Defence-Aerospace-and-Maritime|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Malaysia}}
*[[Malaysian Armed Forces]]
**[[Malaysian Army]]
**[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]
*[[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency|Malaysia Coast Guard]]
*[[Royal Malaysia Police]]
*[[Royal Johor Military Force]]
*[[Joint Forces Command, Malaysia|Joint Forces Command]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* James Goldrick, Jack McCaffrie, ''Navies of South-East Asia: A Comparative Study'' (London: Routledge, 2012 {{ISBN|9780415809429}})

==External links==
{{Sister project links|wikt= no|b= no|q= Royal Malaysian Navy |s= Royal Malaysian Navy |commons= Royal Malaysian Navy |n= no|v= no|species= no|display= Royal Malaysian Navy |author= no |voy=no}}
* [http://www.navy.mil.my/ Official website of the Royal Malaysian Navy]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070301130155/http://maf.mod.gov.my/ Official website of the Malaysian Armed Forces]
* [http://www.mod.gov.my Official website of the Malaysian Ministry of Defence]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070304111603/http://www.navy.mil.my/content/view/16/59/lang,en/ Commanders of the RMN]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070409155602/http://www.navy.mil.my/content/view/21/lang,ms/ Fleet of the RMN]

{{Royal Malaysian Navy Ships}}
{{Military of Malaysia}}
{{Association of Southeast Asian Nations Armed Forces}}
{{Asia topic|Navy of|title=Navies of Asia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Royal Malaysian Navy| ]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1934]]
[[Category:1934 establishments in British Malaya]]
[[Category:Ministry of Defence (Malaysia)]]