KD Maharaja Lela, Malaysia's First Stealth Warship

History was made as the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) successfully launched and named the country's first Gowind Littoral Combat Ship. The ceremony took place at the Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) shipyard in Lumut on August 24, 2017. The first ship in this class was named KD Maharaja Lela.

The ship, bearing the pennant number 2501, was launched by the Queen of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim. The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah, also graced the magnificent ceremony with his presence. Also in attendance at the launch were Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.

Concurrently with the launch, the Queen of Perak named the combat ship KD Maharaja Lela, in honor of Dato Maharaja Lela, who was responsible for resisting British colonialists and was executed by hanging in 1877 as a result of his struggle.

KD Maharaja Lela is the first of 6 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) ordered by the Royal Malaysian Navy under a 9 billion ringgit contract awarded to Boustead in July 2014. According to specifications provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy, the ship has a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a length of 111 meters, and a height of 16 meters.

The ship follows the French Gowind-class design and has been enhanced with infrared detection systems, reducing radar detection by enemies and providing stealth capabilities. This ship will have a crew of 118 people, including 8 officers, and is also capable of carrying a helicopter.