KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 -- The littoral combat ship (LCS) project is behind schedule at 72.9 per cent completion as of June 25, short of its 76.1 per cent target, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

In a written parliamentary reply, Khaled attributed the shortfall to necessary rework on piping and cabling systems, following observations by the project's design authority, France's Naval Group.

"The delay was caused by rework on piping and extended cabling following comments by the design authority," Khaled stated.

"Nevertheless, the ministry remains committed to ensuring all ships are delivered within the updated timeline."

According to Khaled, LCS1 entered its Setting to Work (STW) phase in May and is slated for its ...