KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — The country’s second submarine, KD TUN RAZAK (KD TRZ) successfully fired a Black Shark torpedo that hit the intended target in South China Sea this morning.
The torpedo which was launched from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (TLDM) strategic assets hit the surface target at 11.13am based on a set distance and speed.
According to a TLDM public relations statement, KD TRZ fired a Black Shark torpedo at a “passenger ferry” that was modified as a target for the shooting purpose.
It said the torpedo, which was launched accurately, destroyed and sank its target.
“This is the first time a Malaysian submarine fired a torpedo since the country’s first submarine, KD TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (KD TAR) arrived at Port Klang on September 3, 2009.
The missile launch was also the first for Black Shark torpedo since it was introduced by its manufacturing company, Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS) of Italy,” the statement said.
The launch also involved supporting assets of TLDM and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) including KD JEBAT, KD TERENGGANU, KD KASTURI, KD LAKSAMANA TAN PUSMAH, Fennec helicopter, submarine rescue boat MEGA BAKTI, CB90 Combat Boat as well as diving teams.
The statement said the successful exercise showed the preparedness of the Armed Forces, especially TLDM, at a high level of alertness in defending the country’s sovereignty and placing TLDM as a respected force in the region. — Bernama
