KUALA LUMPUR — The United States has denied any involvement in Norway’s decision to cancel the delivery of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system to Malaysia.
US Embassy chargé d’affaires David H. Gamble Jr said the US was not part of the decision to halt the missile system’s delivery, despite reports that the system contains sensitive US-made components, local media reported.
“For example, the United States facilitated the integration of necessary guidance components for NSM to Kongsberg in 2024 to ensure delivery of the system to Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.
Gamble added that Washington continues to support Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its naval strike capabilities in response to regional threats.
“The United States remains committed to our robust defence and security relationship with Malaysia and further advancing it,” he said, highlighting the memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, 14 regular bilateral and multilateral exercises, professional development programmes, and maritime security assistance.
The announcement comes after Norway revoked export licences for the NSM system, citing tighter restrictions on sensitive defence technologies amid a shifting global security landscape.
Oslo has said the revocation applies to advanced Norwegian defence technologies now limited to its closest allies and partners.
Malaysia has responded by issuing a notice of demand to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, seeking more than RM1 billion in direct and indirect compensation.
Khaled said the government had already paid nearly 95% of the contract value, amounting to over RM500 million.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed Malaysia’s “vehement objection” to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, describing the move as “unilateral and unacceptable” and warning it could have “grave consequences” for Malaysia’s defence readiness and the LCS modernisation programme.
According to KDA, the NSM procurement agreement was signed in April 2018 for six Littoral Combat Ships at a value of €124 million (RM571.9 million).
The NSM is capable of long-range maritime strikes at high subsonic speed, with a range exceeding 300km. – May 21, 2026