Malaysia deploys newly received G2000 Mk II interceptors in Sandakan

A Royal Malaysian Navy G2000 Mk II fast interceptor craft, seen here at the vessel's induction ceremony in Sandakan on 2 February 2024. (Royal Malaysian Navy)

Malaysia will deploy all four of its newly received G2000 Mk II fast interceptor craft (FIC) at its Sandakan Naval Base in East Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has confirmed.

“All four vessels will operate with the Eastern Command's Naval Area 2 in Sandakan to enhance the area's security especially in eastern Sabah, and act as force multipliers to the navy,” reads a statement that was forwarded to Janes by an RMN representative on 6 February.

“These assets are effective in curbing and stopping cross-border crimes that include illegal human migration, smuggling, maritime piracy, sea robbery, human trafficking, and the incursion of foreign fishing vessels, especially in waters that are shallow,” the statement added.

The RMN took delivery of the FICs from local shipbuilder Gading Marine in January 2024. The vessel are part of a contract for 13 G2000 Mk II FICs that was inked in 2022. The contract is a repeat order following the delivery of six older G2000 Mk I vessels in April 2021.

The G2000 Mk II features an aluminium hull and displaces about 26 tonnes at its standard load. It has an overall length of 18 m and an overall beam of 4.6 m.

It is powered by two MAN V12 diesel engines driving two Hamilton water-jets and it can attain a top speed of 52 kt and a maximum range of more than 350 n miles when operating at 35 kt, according to details that were provided by the RMN on 6 February.