The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has quietly taken delivery of the initial four units of the G2000 MK II Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) 18m Class from Gading Marine Industry Sdn Bhd. As reported by RMN’s Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters via its official X account, these cutting-edge vessels are set to commence operations in the strategic waters off the East Coast of Sabah within the coming month. The G2000 Mk II represents a critical addition to the country’s naval assets. With current deployment in the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), these vessels have been strategically acquired to address the security challenges faced by Malaysia, especially after the Lahad Datu intrusion in Sabah back in 2013.
The necessity for a fast interceptor craft became evident in the aftermath of the Lahad Datu incident, prompting Malaysia to enhance its security forces’ capabilities to patrol shallow waters and navigate through tight areas effectively. The establishment of ESSCOM and ESSZONE, along with the ongoing Ops Benteng, further underscores the urgency and significance of acquiring advanced combat boats like the G2000 Mk II. The G2000 Mk II, boasting an aluminum hull and weighing approximately 26 tonnes at standard load, demonstrates its prowess with an impressive top speed of 50 knots. Powered by two MAN V12 diesel engines propelling Hamilton water-jets, these vessels offer a maximum range of over 350 nautical miles when cruising at 35 knots.
The Mk II variant introduces improvements over its predecessor, such as the ability to accommodate a crew member and a machine gun mount in the forward position for enhanced situational awareness. One distinctive feature of the Mk II is its expanded deck space in the aft section, designed to accommodate special forces troops. This adaptability, coupled with the inclusion of a long-range acoustic hailing device and a rear gunner stationed at a mounting for 7.62 mm guns, underscores the versatility of the G2000 Mk II in addressing a spectrum of maritime security challenges.
Gading Marine Industry also known as Gading Marine is a Malaysian private company engaged in maritime industry including shipbuilding, marine engineering, system integration, ship fabricator, ship maintenance and repair services. Gading Marine operates under its parent company Gading Group and its headquarters located in Selangor. The company also owned a shipyard in other location in the country. Gading Marine works closely with local universities such as University of Kuala Lumpur in the development and construction of the boats for use in Malaysia as well as training related university students in the field of marine. It is fully fabricated and assembled locally at a local shipyard in Lumut, Perak. Gading Marine has built and supplied local law enforcement agencies such as marine police and naval force.
