ASEAN Navies Gather in Penang for ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) 2025

Hanson Seah

NEWS | 19 IMAGES

01. Naval vessels from ASEAN member states docked at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), Penang.

Penang, Malaysia – The Royal Malaysian Navy is hosting three major ASEAN naval events in Penang this week as part of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. From 15 to 22 August 2025, the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), the Third ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX), and the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) will be held, with activities extending from Georgetown to Batu Ferringhi. With its rich maritime heritage, Penang has previously served as the site of significant naval milestones, including the 1990 International Royal Navy Fleet Review.

A total of 10 warships from 8 ASEAN nations berthed at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in Georgetown on 15 August to kick off the events, accompanied by 13,500 naval personnel and 88 delegates from 10 ASEAN countries. The participating warships are:

  • Malaysia: KD Kedah (F171); KD Lekir (FF 26); and KD Lekiu (FFG30)
  • Brunei: KDB Darulaman (OPV08)
  • Indonesia: KRI Bung Tomo (K357)
  • Myanmar: UMS King Sin Phyu Shin (F14)
  • Philippines: BRP Antonio Luna (FF151)
  • Singapore: RSS Vigour (P92)
  • Thailand: HTMS Krabi (OPV551)
  • Vietnam: VPNS Quang Trang (FFG016)

During the ‘Harbour Phase’ of AMNEX, public outreach initiatives—the ASEAN Navies’ City Parade and the ASEAN Open Ship Visit—were held on 17 August at the Esplanade Padang Kota Lama and SPCT, respectively. These highly anticipated events promoted naval traditions, allowed the public to experience the cultural richness of ASEAN fleets, and showcased the region’s maritime partnership and operational excellence. The ship visit proved especially popular with locals, drawing a final attendance of 31,899 visitors.

On 19 August, the 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) was convened at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort in Batu Ferringhi. Themed “Advancing the ASEAN Navies’ Unity – Synergising Innovation and Technology in Strengthening ASEAN Maritime Security”, the meeting also marked the inaugural participation of the Timor-Leste delegation as an observer.

On 21 August, the grand finale, the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR), will see all ten participating warships sail in formation through Penang’s northern strait, visible from Butterworth and Georgetown.

Photo Gallery

02. RSS Vigour, a Victory-class corvette, coming alongside SPCT on 15 August.
03. KD Lekir (foreground) and UMS King Sin Phyu Shin (background) coming alongside SPCT on 15 August.
04. KD Lekir, a Kasturi-class corvette, coming alongside SPCT on 15 August.
05. UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, a Kyan Sittha-class frigate, coming alongside SPCT on 15 August.
06. Naval vessels from ASEAN member states pictured against the historic Fort Cornwallis.
07. The Royal Malaysian Navy’s domestically built G2000 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC) conducting rehearsal runs for the ASEAN Navies’ City Parade.
08. Members of the public flocking to SPCT on 17 August for the ASEAN Open Ship Visit.
09. Republic of Singapore Navy sailors welcoming visitors onboard RSS Vigour.
10. From left to right: UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, a Kyan Sittha-class frigate, and VPNS Quang Trang, a Gepard-class frigate.
11. UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, built domestically in Myanmar, is the second stealth frigate operated by its navy and one of only two in its class.
12. From left to right: KRI Bung Tomo, a Bung Tomo-class corvette, and KDB Darulaman, a Darussalam-class OPV.
13. Members of the public queuing to board KRI Bung Tomo.
14. KRI Bung Tomo proudly displaying a banner marking its participation in AMNEX 2025.
15. From left to right: KD Lekir, a Kasturi-class corvette, and KD Lekiu, a Lekiu-class frigate.
16. From left to right: KD Lekir, a Kasturi-class corvette, and KD Lekiu, a Lekiu-class frigate.
17. The Royal Malaysian Navy’s Gading Marine G2000 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC).
18. KD Kedah, a Kedah-class New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV).
19. A spectacular sight of all participating vessels berthed at SPCT.

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