Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its launcher systems intended for Malaysia, calling the move unacceptable and damaging to bilateral trust.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X, Anwar said Malaysia had fully honoured all obligations under the defence contract signed in 2018, but claimed Norway had failed to demonstrate the same level of commitment and good faith.
“Signed contracts are solemn instruments, not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” he said.
The Prime Minister warned that if European defence suppliers reserve the right to withdraw from agreements without consequence, their credibility as strategic partners would be severely undermined.
Anwar also revealed that he had personally conveyed Malaysia’s concerns to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, stressing that the cancellation would significantly affect Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme.
He added that the decision could also carry broader implications for regional stability and security balance.
Earlier, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil expressed regret over Oslo’s move, saying the cancellation had prevented the Norwegian supplier from proceeding with the missile delivery as agreed.
Fahmi said Putrajaya is currently pursuing diplomatic discussions with Norwegian authorities while also exploring possible legal action over the matter.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he is scheduled to meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to seek clarification regarding the sudden halt of the NSM exports.
According to Khaled, the missiles were originally meant to equip the Royal Malaysian Navy’s LCS fleet, as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat, and were expected to be delivered in March before Norway suspended the export permit just days ahead of shipment.
Norwegian defence company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace previously confirmed that the procurement contract worth 124 million euros, equivalent to about RM571.9 million, was signed in April 2018 to arm six new littoral combat ships.
