The Royal Malaysian Navy has recently taken delivery of its first submarine. The 'KD Tunku Abdul Rahman' is the country's first of two Scorpene-class submarines built by DCNS of France and Navantia of Spain.
The vessel travelled from France to Malaysia, arriving after a 54-day journey on September 3 at Port Klang.
Present at the ceremony was King Mizan Zainal Abidin and Prime Minister Najib Razak as well as a host of other dignitaries.
"The acquisition enables the navy, in particular, the Malaysian Armed Forces…to develop a more credible and capable military force in the region," said the King.
"The acquisition of submarines for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is the government's biggest commitment to safeguard the sovereignty of Malaysian waters from any threat."
The two Scorpene-class submarines were ordered in 2002. These conventional diesel-electric vessels are worth US$961 million.
'KD Tunku Abdul Rahman' was named after Malaysia's first premier while the second submarine, 'KD Tun Abdul Razak' will be named after the country's second prime minister. Delivery of the second submarine is scheduled for 2010.
