Established in 1984, Malaysia’s LUNAS (Lumut Naval Shipyard) has grown into a prominent player in both shipbuilding and maritime maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. With a long-standing commitment to national defense, the company has contributed significantly to the country’s naval shipbuilding capacity while supporting local industry development through its Vendor Development Programme (VDP). Today, LUNAS operates as a fully government-owned entity under Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, with several subsidiaries expanding its reach across the maritime sector.
In an interview with Defensehere.com during the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), Chief Executive Officer Ir. Azhar Jumaat discussed the company’s renewed focus and recent milestones. He emphasized LUNAS’s core role in naval shipbuilding and its strong presence in commercial and military vessel maintenance.
He noted that following a restructuring two years ago, the company now benefits from full government ownership—bringing with it robust political and financial backing. This support, he explained, has translated into concrete progress: LUNAS has successfully launched two littoral combat ships, the most recent of which entered the water in May 2025. The first vessel is currently undergoing acceptance trials by the Royal Malaysian Navy. Jumaat also highlighted close cooperation with European OEMs to integrate updated technologies and address obsolescence issues at the component level.
The company is further investing in digital tools to enhance operational readiness. A land-based reference system has been developed to mirror the onboard combat systems, helping reduce integration risks during system trials. In parallel, LUNAS is adopting simulation and digitalization technologies aimed at improving training and streamlining maintenance processes—reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovation and service excellence.
For more details, watch the full interview with Ir. Azhar Jumaat, CEO of LUNAS below: