Kuala lumpur: The procurement process for a new missile system to replace the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for Littoral Combat Ships is expected to be completed within the next two to three years, according to Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman. The Malaysian Armed Forces is currently evaluating missile systems from four countries-France, Turkiye, Italy, and South Korea-after Norway's previous cancellation of its export.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman emphasized the complexities involved in this new procurement, highlighting the necessity to consider various aspects, including budget constraints. "At the earliest, it will take another two to three years because this is a new procurement and many aspects need to be considered first," he stated, following the launch of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2027.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had earlier indicated that the technical evaluation for selecting a replacement missile system is anticipated to conclude by the end of this month. The procurement process must restart from scratch to find a suitable replacement for the current NSM system.

In related news, Gen Malek Razak addressed recent incidents at Kem Hobart, Kedah, assuring that they have not impacted ongoing operations or training activities. He noted that the army is reviewing possible improvements to the standard operating procedures for training and the monitoring mechanisms at the camp.

Two incidents at Kem Hobart have drawn attention: On June 16, two soldiers died from severe injuries sustained in a bomb explosion at the firing range. The camp faced scrutiny again on June 30 when two soldiers from the Fourth Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment suffered leg injuries due to shrapnel from a firearm explosion during training.