Corvettes like the Turkish-made ADA class corvettes and frigates like the UK-made KD Lekiu above are both types of warships, but they have different sizes, armaments, and roles. Corvettes are smaller and designed for coastal defense and patrol missions. Frigates are larger, capable of operating in open waters, and often take on roles such as anti-submarine warfare and escort duties. Essentially, corvettes are suited for near-shore tasks, while frigates are equipped for more demanding, deep-water assignments. Image source: Wikipedia
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RMN Corvettes Fleet
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) operates a diverse fleet of corvettes, each class designed for specific maritime roles.
Kasturi Class Corvettes
The Kasturi Class Corvettes are a pair of ships in the Royal Malaysian Navy, known as KD Kasturi and KD Lekir. These ships are designed for various naval missions and are equipped with a range of weapons for defense and attack. They have guns, missiles, and torpedoes to protect against threats from the air, surface, and underwater.
Specifically, they carry a Bofors 57 mm gun, two MSI DS30B 30 mm cannons, eight Exocet MM40 Block 2 anti-ship missiles, and two triple Eurotorp B515 launchers with A244-S ASW torpedoes. These corvettes have been updated over the years to enhance their capabilities and extend their service life, ensuring they remain an integral part of Malaysia’s maritime defense strategy.
Laksamana Class Corvettes
The Laksamana Class Corvettes are a group of four small warships that belong to the Royal Malaysian Navy. These ships are named after famous Malay warriors and serve in the 24th Corvette Squadron. They were originally designed for the Iraqi Navy but were later sold to Malaysia due to international sanctions on Iraq. These corvettes are equipped with various weapons and sensors for defense and attack.
They have a main gun, anti-air and anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers. However, some of the weapons like the Aspide anti-air missiles and Otomat anti-ship missiles have been removed. The ships also have electronic warfare capabilities to protect against threats. They are powered by diesel engines and can reach high speeds, making them agile in naval operations.
The German-made Kedah class offshore patrol ships are excellent ships considering that it is based on the MEKO-100 design that many navies around the world are using and are fairly new even though they are not armed with any anti-ship missiles although missiles can be fitted if required. Image source: Wikipedia
Offshore Patrol Vessels
The Kedah-class offshore patrol vessels, originating from Germany, and the Keris-class offshore patrol vessels, produced by China, are both designed with characteristics similar to corvettes. However, their effectiveness as combat ships for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is limited due to the absence of missile weaponry. Typically, corvettes are small, agile warships equipped with a variety of weapons, including missiles, which play a crucial role in their offensive and defensive capabilities.
The lack of such armaments on these vessels means they are not as well-prepared for intense naval combat scenarios as other ships that possess more comprehensive weapon systems. Despite this, both classes of ships serve important roles within the RMN, such as patrolling and surveillance, which are vital for maintaining maritime security and sovereignty.
The Kedah-class vessels, in particular, were planned to be a fleet of 27 ships, but due to delays and budget overruns, only six were completed. These ships are equipped with guns for defense but are not fitted with missiles, which would significantly enhance their combat readiness. Similarly, the Keris-class vessels are part of a planned series of 18 ships, of which four have been funded and constructed. These ships are also limited to gun-based armaments and lack missile systems, which restricts their role to less aggressive naval tasks.
The absence of missiles on both classes of ships reflects a strategic decision that prioritizes certain naval functions over others, and while it may limit their offensive capabilities, it does not diminish their value in performing essential maritime duties.
The ADA class corvettes are known for their advanced technology and capability to operate in littoral, or near-shore, environments. The design of the ADA class corvettes incorporates features that make them less visible to radar and other detection methods. Several countries have shown interest in these ships. The Turkish Navy has fully commissioned its fleet of ADA class corvettes. Additionally, the Pakistan Navy, Ukrainian Navy, and Royal Malaysian Navy are among the international users who have either acquired or expressed interest in these vessels. Image source: Wikipedia
Turkish ADA Class Corvettes
In June 2024, Malaysia made an official order for three Turkish-made ADA-class naval ships. These ships are a type of small warship known as corvettes. They will be equipped with various weapons for defense and attack. The development and construction of the ADA Class corvettes represent a significant milestone in Turkish naval engineering and defense capabilities.
Initiated under the MILGEM (Milli Gemi, or National Ship) project, the concept for these corvettes was born out of a need to modernize Turkey’s naval fleet with indigenous designs and technology. The project’s inception dates back to the early 2000s, with the primary objective of creating a versatile, multi-role warship capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and patrol missions.
These vessels have a displacement of approximately 2,300 tons, reflecting their considerable size and operational capacity. They measure around 99.5 meters in length and have a beam of 14.4 meters, making them compact yet formidable in maritime operations.
Propulsion for the ADA Class corvettes is provided by a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) system, which includes a gas turbine and two diesel engines. This configuration enables the corvettes to reach speeds in excess of 29 knots, ensuring swift maneuverability and rapid deployment. The range of these vessels is around 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, granting them substantial operational endurance and the ability to undertake extended missions without frequent refueling.
In terms of armament, the ADA Class corvettes are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems which include:-
- Naval Gun: 1 x 76 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid – a highly advanced naval gun system designed and manufactured by the Italian defense company Oto Melara. It represents an evolution of the earlier 76/62C model, boasting a significant increase in firing rate to 120 rounds per minute, which is facilitated by an enhanced feed system.
- Secondary Gun: 2 x 12.7 mm Aselsan SMASH – a highly sophisticated, stabilized weapon station engineered by the prominent Turkish defense company Aselsan. It is designed to be equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, providing precise targeting and firing capabilities.
- Surface to Air: 16 x MBDA MICA VL (unconfirmed) – an advanced air defense system, designed and manufactured by MBDA France. It stands for Vertical Launch MICA, where ‘MICA’ is an acronym for Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Auto-défense, translating to ‘Interception, Combat and Self-defense Missile’. This system is unique as it can be equipped with either an infrared homing head (VL MICA IR) or an active radar (VL MICA RF), making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. The MICA VL is renowned for its agility, enabled by a thrust vector control system, and its capability to engage targets beyond visual range with high precision.
- Anti-Ship: 8 x Atmaca – a state-of-the-art, all-weather, long-range anti-ship cruise missile developed by the Turkish defense company Roketsan. Designed to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Naval Forces, the Atmaca missile is set to replace the aging Harpoon missiles in Turkey’s arsenal. The missile has undergone extensive testing, proving its effectiveness with successful target hits over considerable distances, and is expected to be fully integrated into the Turkish Navy by 2027.
- Anti Submarine: 2 x 324 mm Mk.32 twin launchers for Mk.46 torpedoes – initially introduced in the 1960s, this torpedo has undergone various enhancements to improve its acoustic tracking, guidance systems, and countermeasure resistance. The current iteration, the Mk.46 Mod 5A (S), boasts advanced capabilities for shallow-water performance and is integrated into the Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket system, reflecting its critical role in modern naval operations.
- Helicopter: one medium size
The sensor suite on these corvettes includes advanced radar and sonar systems, providing comprehensive situational awareness and target detection. The SMART-S Mk2 3D radar offers superior air and surface surveillance, while the sonar systems are optimized for ASW operations. Electronic warfare capabilities are bolstered by the integration of sophisticated electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasures (ECM), ensuring the corvettes can effectively manage and counter a wide array of threats.
These technical specifications and capabilities underscore the versatility and combat readiness of the ADA Class corvettes, making them a highly viable option for modern naval forces, including the proposed design for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The Ukrainian Navy has bolstered its maritime defense capabilities with the addition of two ADA class corvettes. Among these, the Hetman Ivan Mazepa (F211) stands out as a significant asset. This modern anti-submarine warfare corvette was launched in 2022 and is named after the renowned Ukrainian Cossack leader, Ivan Mazepa, who is celebrated for his defiance against the Tsardom of Russia during the Great Northern War. The Hetman Ivan Mazepa, along with its sister ship, represents a significant step forward in Ukraine’s naval modernization efforts. Image source: OSINTtechnical
Operational History and Performance
The ADA Class corvettes have played a pivotal role within the Turkish Navy since their induction. These vessels have been actively involved in numerous deployments, missions, and exercises, demonstrating their versatility and operational effectiveness. Their operational history offers substantial insights into their capabilities and performance across varied maritime scenarios.
One notable deployment was their participation in Operation Mediterranean Shield, a mission aimed at ensuring maritime security and deterring illegal activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ADA Class corvettes, with their advanced surveillance and combat systems, were instrumental in monitoring and safeguarding Turkish maritime interests. Their ability to seamlessly integrate into complex naval operations showcased their robustness and adaptability.
In addition to regional security operations, ADA Class corvettes have also been involved in international exercises such as the NATO-led Dynamic Manta and Sea Shield exercises. These exercises are designed to enhance interoperability among allied naval forces and to simulate real-world combat scenarios. The ADA Class corvettes performed admirably, demonstrating their advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and their proficiency in multi-threat environments.
In real-world combat engagements, the ADA Class corvettes have proven their mettle. They have been involved in several skirmishes in the Aegean Sea, where their advanced radar and missile systems provided a significant tactical advantage. The corvettes’ performance in these engagements has reinforced their reputation as formidable naval assets within the Turkish fleet.
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The ADA class corvettes are not only timely but also essential in bolstering the RMN’s operational capabilities, providing a substantial upgrade over the last batch of offshore patrol vessels procured from China. While the previous vessels served to temporarily bridge the operational void, their lack of missile armament limited their effectiveness in addressing the full spectrum of potential maritime threats. The ADA class corvettes, equipped with a more comprehensive weapons system, offer a robust solution to safeguard Malaysia’s waters with greater efficacy.
Final Say
For the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the proposed adoption of the ADA Class corvettes signifies a forward-looking approach to enhancing their maritime security. The corvettes’ proven performance in various operational contexts makes them ideally suited to address the diverse challenges faced by the RMN. Integrating these corvettes into the RMN’s fleet would bolster Malaysia’s naval capabilities, offering a robust platform for both defensive and offensive operations in regional waters.
Looking ahead, the potential for further collaboration between Turkey and Malaysia in naval defense is promising. There are opportunities for joint training exercises, technology transfers, and the development of customized solutions tailored to the RMN’s specific requirements. Such collaborations could lead to additional orders of Ada Class corvettes or even the co-development of new naval vessels, fostering a deeper strategic partnership between the two nations.
The ADA Class corvettes stand as a testament to Turkey’s growing expertise in naval design and construction. Their adoption by the RMN would not only signify a leap in Malaysia’s maritime defense capabilities but also pave the way for future advancements in naval technology. As both nations continue to explore avenues for cooperation, the ADA Class corvettes could serve as a foundation for building a stronger, more secure maritime presence in the region.