Norway defends its decision to cancel missile system sale to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed Friday that it has canceled export licenses for a naval missile system for Malaysia and said sales of its most sensitive defense technologies are now limited to allies and closest partners.
The move blocked the delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship program, prompting sharp protests from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned this could damage trust in European defense suppliers.
The government has strengthened its oversight of defense technology in response to major changes in the security environment in Europe and globally in recent years, Norway’s foreign ministry said in response to questions from The Associated Press.
“Exports of some of the most sensitive defense technologies developed by Norway will be limited to our allies and closest partners,” the statement said. “It’s sad that this is affecting Malaysia.”
In 2018, Malaysia signed an agreement with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for the NSM anti-ship missile system. The missiles are intended to arm Malaysia’s new class of littoral combat ships as part of a broader naval modernization programme.
Anwar said he expressed Malaysia’s strong protest during a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Thursday. He said Oslo’s move would harm Malaysia’s operational readiness and cast doubt on the reliability of European defense partners if signed agreements were unilaterally reversed.
Anwar said the conventions “are not confetti to scatter so capriciously.” “If European defense suppliers retain the right to opt out with impunity, their value as strategic partners will evaporate.”
Norway’s foreign ministry said Store explained Norway’s decision to Anwar during the meeting. He noted that despite the restrictions, Norway “highly values its relationship with Malaysia” and looked forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with Malaysian officials.
Malaysia has already paid 95% of the contract price and is currently examining legal options and possible compensation claims regarding the canceled delivery.
