The Malaysian Navy says it will purchase three multisupport ships (MSSs) in a bid to strengthen support for the navy’s fleet of warships.

Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the procurement of the vessels would be done through open tender to friendly nations under the tenth Malaysian plan right up to the 12th Malaysian plan.

“The company or country that agreed to transfer technology, experience and provide training to the RMN would be given priority,” the minister said.

“Construction on the MSS vessels is expected to take 48 months. We will take the opportunity to learn about the capabilities of the multirole ship (MRS) from Korea and a Singaporean battleship equipped with sophisticated missiles.