Malaysia Launches First Sub

Malaysia’s first Scorpene submarine was recently launched signifying yet another leap in the nation’s pursuit of new technology. KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, named after the country’s first Prime Minister, was unveiled in a historic ceremony at the DCNS dockyard near Paris. In keeping with maritime tradition, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor broke a bottle of water against the submarine’s sail to signify the official launching and naming of the vessel. The submarine is equipped with torpedoes, sub-surface to surface missiles and sea mines. The vessel was one of two bought by Malaysia in 2002, with both being jointly constructed by DCNS of France and Navantia of Spain. The submarine acquisition was reportedly part of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ modernization program which could contribute significantly towards creating a more balanced capability. KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is set to sail home, manned by the country’s first submarine crew in January 2009 while the second vessel, to be named KD Tun Razak, is expected to be delivered by October 2009.