Zahid: Meko 100 Ship Project Is Still On

The Kedah Class (Meko A-100) (www.naval-technology.com)

PORT DICKSON, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Meko 100 ship project had never been stopped and the balance of 17 ships which is optional for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be continued depending on the nation's financial standing. 

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, currently, six of such ships armed with cannons were currently serving in the RMN while plans were being made to boost its capability.

"The decision to equip the warships with anti-surface guided missiles has not been finalised yet," he told reporters after the Army-Police Premier Training Passing Out Parade, here today.

He was asked to comment on the status of the Meko 100 project after the RMN suddenly decided to buy Littoral Combat Ships which were more sophisticated.

The Meko 100 which were designed in Germany was a new generation patrol ship with a modular system, which allowed it to be turned into a warship by installing a guided missile system, and RMN planned to have 27 in its service.

Recently, a local newspaper reported that the Defence Ministry planned to instal anti-ship guided missile system on TLDM's Meko 100.

Bernama.com