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| KD Kasturi 25, Kasturi class covette of the RMN (all photos: LUNAS) |
KD KASTURI, the lead ship of the Kasturi-class corvettes, has long been a mainstay of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). Commissioned in the 1980s, the multipurpose ship has played a vital role in Malaysia’s maritime defense, serving under the 22nd Corvette Squadron and based in Lumut, Perak. Designed by Germany’s HDW (Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft) based on the FS 1500 design, KD KASTURI has consistently proven its reliability and adaptability over the decades..
Key Features and Specifications
Class and Type: Kasturi-class corvette
Displacement: 1,850 long tons (1,880 tonnes) at full load
Length: 98 metres (321 ft 6 in)
Speed: 28 knots (32 mph; 52 km/h)
Range: 5,000 nautical miles (8,000 kilometres)
Complement: 124 crew
KD KASTURI underwent its first major modernization effort in 2013 under the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). The program aimed to extend the ship’s operational life and enhance its combat readiness. However, the modernization journey did not stop there. KD KASTURI then embarked on its first comprehensive REFIT program after SLEP, marking a significant milestone in the ship’s ongoing maintenance and capability enhancement..
The REFIT includes:
- Piping System Maintenance and Repair – Ensuring the ship’s internal systems are in optimal condition.
- Navigation Radar Replacement – Upgrading to a modern radar system to enhance navigation and situational awareness.
- Underwater System Maintenance and Repair – Enhancing the ship’s underwater capabilities, including sonar and propulsion components.
- Propulsion System Maintenance and Repair – Covering critical components from rudder, controllable pitch propeller (CPP) hub, and shaft arrangement to gearbox, ensuring optimal propulsion performance.
In addition, the main engine underwent a separate routine overhaul under government contract, strengthening the operational reliability of KD KASTURI for continued service in Malaysia’s maritime defence.
LUNAS successfully completed the REFIT programme on 2 December 2024. The ship was handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy on 14 January 2025. The successful completion of the REFIT programme by LUNAS underlines the importance of local expertise in maintaining and modernising naval assets. The upgraded systems and enhanced capabilities of KD KASTURI ensure that the ship remains a formidable force in the RMN fleet, ready to face modern maritime challenges.
KD KASTURI’s journey from her commissioning in the 1980s to the recent completion of the REFIT is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Royal Malaysian Navy and its partners. With LUNAS leading the REFIT programme, KD KASTURI has been restored to full capability, ready to resume her vital role in safeguarding Malaysia’s maritime interests. This achievement not only extends the ship’s operational life but also reinforces Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining a resilient and capable naval force.
(LUNAS)
