Malaysia Submarine Capabilities

Headquartered in Lumut, Perak, the Royal Malaysian Navy operates a submarine force of two Scorpène-class submarines. The Navy considers its submarines a “force multiplier” for policing its large ocean territory.¹

Total Submarines in Fleet: 2

• Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): 0
• Nuclear-Powered attack submarines (SSNs): 0
• Diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs): 2
• Air-independent propulsion (AIP) enabled: 0

Submarines

Starting in 1985, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) sent officers to Australia, France, Germany, Pakistan, Sweden, and Turkey to gain experience in submarine operations. Partially due to financial constraints, the RMN was not able to make any official bids for submarines until 2001. Three companies expressed interest: the French state-owned Naval Group (formerly DCNS), the German-Turkish Submarine Corporation (led by Germany’s Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft and Ferrostaal), and the Netherlands’ RDM Submarines.² In 2002, Malaysia signed a contract with France for acquisition of two Scorpène-class diesel-electric submarines.³ As part of the submarine induction process, Malaysia also negotiated for an ex-French Agosta 70-class submarine – Quessant – to be based in Toulon for RMN crew training and instruction. Additionally, it was agreed that 156 RMN personnel were to receive training from France’s NAVFCO for four years beginning in early 2005.⁴ Apart from France, Malaysia expressed interest in cooperating with submarine forces of other major navies. In September 2007, RMN held talks with the United States Navy for possible cooperation in advanced submarine training and participation in future exercises. In 2021, RMN held a Marine Training Activity with assets from the US Navy, including combat ships and personnel.⁵

Apart from France, Malaysia expressed interest in cooperating with submarine forces of other major navies. In September 2007, RMN held talks with the United States Navy for possible cooperation in advanced submarine training and participation in future exercises. The head of the Malaysian delegation, First Admiral Dato Jamil Osman, also noted that RMN conducted separate talks for cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy.⁶ In January 2008, Malaysia and India deliberated extending their bilateral naval cooperation to include submarine forces.⁷ The RMN is keen to engage India in submarine operations and training given the Indian Navy’s vast experience operating the Scorpène-class boats.

RMN’s two Scorpène-class submarines are stationed at the newly constructed base in Sepanggar, Sabah.⁸ The first boat, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was launched in October 2007 and commissioned in January 2009. The second boat, Tun Abdul Razak, was launched in October 2008 and commissioned in November 2009.⁹

The Malaysian Scorpène-class vessels have been modified to enhance their ability to operate in the warmer and more saline waters of Southeast Asia through a process called “tropicalisation.” While these boats are similar to others of their class, they do not have the air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems found on more advanced models. They are each fitted with the SUBTICS integrated combat management system and a sonar suite.¹⁰

In October 2012, RMN announced that it was building a second Scorpène simulator training facility at the Kota Kinabalu Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base. The base will be open to foreign military personnel for training. The RMN hopes to save money with this new base as it would no longer need to send its sailors overseas for submarine training.¹¹ The building was finished in 2013.¹²

In 2018, the Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation (BDNC), a joint venture between Malaysian naval engineering group Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation and French shipbuilder Naval Group, finished refitting the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. In 2020, BDNC finished refitting the KD Tun Razak.¹³

In February 2018, Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman, the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, announced that Malaysia plans to procure two more submarines as part of its “15 to 5” Transformation Plan by 2040. The Admiral noted that these submarines will be beneficial in upholding maritime security as well as safeguarding the nation’s economy, particularly in regard to the maritime claims in the South China Sea.¹⁴ Again, budgetary constraints might delay this project.¹⁵

Ship Biographies

Scorpène-Class

Malaysia possesses two Scorpène-class, also known as the Perdana Menteri-class, submarines.¹⁶ This class of boats emphasize underwater maneuverability and stealth, with design features including a teardrop or “Albacore” hull form (with fin-mounted hydroplanes and cross-configuration tailplane), and very low acoustic, magnetic, electromagnetic and infrared signatures.¹⁷ These vessels are 66.45 meters long with a 6.1-meter-wide beam and can travel up to 20 knots when submerged. They can remain submerged for about 50 days without surfacing. Their weapons systems are capable of launching anti-ship SM 39 Exocet missiles with a range of 50 km from their 533 mm torpedo tubes.¹⁸

Imports

Malaysia has imported two Scorpène-Class submarines from France’s Naval Group.

Exports

Malaysia is not an exporter of submarines.