Malaysia's Coast Guard Orders Multi Purpose Mission Ship from Türkiye’s Desan Shipyard

will be equipped with four fast interceptor craft, two unmanned aerial vehicles, a helicopter deck, medical facilities, and a detention facility. The vessel is intended for patrol missions in the South China Sea, focusing on responding to foreign ship intrusions, combating illegal fishing, and addressing transnational crimes like smuggling and human trafficking. While the exact cost remains unconfirmed, the Malaysian budget for 2025 has allocated RM 350 million for this development. A memorandum of understanding was signed on February 11 between Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Desan Shipyard during a ceremony at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s official residence in Putrajaya. The signing ceremony, attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Erdogan, highlighted a scale model of the ship. This model showcased key features like a single forward remote-controlled weapon system and two additional systems atop the hangar, along with a helicopter deck capable of accommodating the SH-60 Seahawk family of helicopters. President Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia also saw the signing of 10 other memorandums of understanding. These agreements span various areas, including military procurements, strategic communications systems, energy transition, and disaster and emergency management, underscoring the strengthened bilateral relations between Türkiye and Malaysia.