Name Handalan class Operators Royal Malaysian Navy Completed 4 | Builders Kalskrona Varvet In commission 1976 – present Active 4 | |
The Handalan-class vessels are domestically modified Spica-M fast attack craft, a heavier variant of the Swedish Spica II (Norrkoping) class. Built by Kalskrona Varvet and ordered in 1976, this class replaced the Perkasa-class squadron on a 1:1 basis, including name transfer. The Handalans are equipped with longer-range diesel engines and an additional weapons fit with launchers for Exocet missiles and a secondary 40 mm gun. The installation of additional weaponry from the main 57 mm/70 Bofors SAK Mk1 gun forced the bridge to be pushed forward to accept the missile launchers and additional rear gun. With a data-link communications system, the class allows the exchange of information through computers with similar equipment, both other ships and shore-based stations. They also have elaborate countermeasures with a Thales DR3000S, electronic tracking equipment and weapon control systems. In all, the Handalans are more capable and better armed than the larger Perdana-class vessels of the Royal Malaysian Navy.