[1][2] They are the largest and most capable ships of the Royal Brunei Navy, and often participate in international naval exercises.

Prior to the Darussalam-class, three Nakhoda Ragam-class corvettes were built to order by BAE Systems Marine (now BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships) in the United Kingdom for the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).

The contract dispute became subject to arbitration, and was ultimately settled in BAE System's favour.

Keel laying for the first two vessels of this new class took place on 26 June 2009 at Lürssen shipyard in Germany.

The first tranche of two vessels were launched 12 November 2010 and delivered to the Royal Brunei Navy in January 2011.