KUALA LUMPUR – Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin will meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month to clarify Norway’s unexpected decision to block the export licence for naval strike missiles (NSM) destined for Malaysia.
The minister said the meeting would also convey Malaysia’s regret and surprise over the Norwegian government’s cancellation of the delivery, announced just days before the scheduled arrival in March, Bernama reported.
“It is very unfortunate that we have signed a contract to purchase the missiles from Norway since 2018. The missiles were supposed to be delivered in March to equip our littoral combat ships (LCS) as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat.
“But a few days before the delivery date, without indications, the Norwegian government announced that it would not grant a license to market the product after eight years of our purchase. And of course it surprises us, of course it affects us,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled made the remarks after officiating the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) MADANI Economic Programme in Kluang today.
The minister added that Norway’s action did not reflect well on the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Malaysia is now pursuing the issue through diplomatic channels at multiple levels, including the offices of the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both nations.
“Since this matter is still being handled through diplomacy, I do not want to comment further at this time,” he said.
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has reportedly withdrawn several export licences for certain technologies as part of stricter export controls.
According to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KDA), the NSM contract was signed with the Royal Malaysian Navy in April 2018, valued at 124 million euros (RM571.9 million), to equip six new LCS ships.
The missile is capable of long-range maritime strikes at high subsonic speeds, with a range exceeding 300 kilometres. – May 12, 2026