CHALLENGES IN DEVELOPING INDIGENOUS COMBAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (CMS) FOR MALAYSIAN MARITIME DEFENCE AND ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

Abstract

This study aims to discuss the feasibility of developing indigenous Combat Management Systems (CMS) for the use of Maritime Defence and Enforcement Services. The study is envisaged to identify the key success factors to realize the efforts of developing indigenous solutions in the autarky principles aligned to the aspirations sets by the authorities and buyers from the Maritime Defense and Enforcement Services. It is invented to outline the readily available technology in country to make suggestion/s to encourage the formulation of a structured tendering policy of a systems procurement to allow a true indigenous development of a CMS needs and requirements. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) along with the USN are currently facing a dilemma over legacy system and modernization into standardized system and move away from ‘single class of ships’ combat system designs into a broader range of highly efficient mission system able to operate between flotillas, fleets and beyond. This can be attained through identifying and demarcation of the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of the software and hardware components used, design and development of complex system which utilizes supersets of reusables across the newbuilding program of the 15 to 5, modularly and aligned with the RMN aspirations. Commonality shall be the design theme and a specific product line requirement methodology is introduced. Furthermore, the current austerity is a valid reason for the RMN to embark ‘just- in- time’ on self-reliance concept. The organization is poised to upgrade its aging fleet with lesser classes known as the 15 to5 program without diminishing its primary mission capabilities and requirements.