IPD: German Navy visits Malaysia

From 15 to 18 October, the two ships of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 association moored in the Malaysian port city of Port Klang.

Indo-Pacific Deployment, on-board reception "Baden-Württemberg", Port Klang. Photo: Bw/L.Rodewald

A highlight of the visit to Malaysia was the reception on board the frigate "Baden-Württemberg". Over 250 guests, including the German Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer, the Malaysian Minister of Defence, Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, and the Chief of Navy of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Itnahin, attended. This event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen bilateral relations and promote maritime exchange.

Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain comes on board. Photo: Bw/L.Rodewald

Guided tours were offered on the Class 125 frigate, during which guests were given an insight into the ship's modern technologies. On the "Frankfurt am Main", visitors were able to familiarise themselves with the logistical capabilities of the task force provider, which not only significantly increased the sea endurance of the German frigate, but also that of the ships of the partner navies sailing with the IPD association.

Shore leave, learning, co-operation

Many of the 350 crew members on board both ships took the opportunity to look around Kuala Lumpur on land, away from the official port programme. Many would have liked a little more time to explore this exceptionally impressive and up-and-coming city.

Union sailing in the Strait of Malacca. Photo: Bw/L.Rodewald

Shortly after setting sail, a full day of intensive maritime exercises with the frigate KD Lekir (hull number 26, HDW FS 1500 from 1984) and the corvette KD Pahang (hull number 172, Blohm+Voss MEKO 100 RMN from 2006) of the Royal Malaysian Navy was scheduled in the Strait of Malacca. Under the leadership of young officers of the watch, the bridge sea guards focussed on training the stationing of their ships in relation to each other in the well-known formation navigation exercises. This involves navigationally calculating how to take up a certain tactical position in relation to the other ships. German and Malaysian sailors also practised defence against threats from the air before the ships passed each other once again and waved their caps in farewell.

Such exercises strengthen the common understanding of maritime operational procedures and stimulate co-operation between navies to protect international sea lanes and ensure free trade across the world's oceans.

The German Navy would like to thank the Malaysian Navy for their warm hospitality and close co-operation.

Passex with the frigate KD Lekir (Hullnr 26) of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Photo: Bw/L.Rodewald

Text: Bundeswehr/SPAO IPD24/Alexander Gottschalk

Photos: Bundeswehr/Leon Rodewald