Malaysia seeks clarification from Norway after export control halts missile supply

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Reuters) – Malaysia’s defense ministry said it would discuss with Norway a change in Oslo’s stance on defense export approvals, which has halted the supply of missiles for its warships in the latest blow to the project.

In a statement released on Thursday, Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that his ministry holds a procurement contract with Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) guided missiles that equip the country’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS told Reuters that export licensing decisions were managed by Norwegian authorities and that it fully complied with all applicable regulations, adding that it remained committed to its long-term partnerships and activities in the region.

The Norwegian embassy in Kuala Lumpur referred questions to its foreign ministry.

Malaysia’s LCS project, awarded in 2011 for six ships at an initial cost of 6 billion ringgit, has faced serious problems of mismanagement, with its cost spiraling over the years as ships were not delivered.

The project was relaunched in 2023 following a government review, with the decision made to procure only five vessels instead of six. The first ship, originally scheduled for delivery in August this year, was pushed back to December due to late deliveries of equipment by manufacturers and ongoing rework issues.

The statement followed a report on a Malaysian defense news portal that Norway “banned missile deliveries to Malaysia just days ahead of schedule.”

“The ministry takes note of the Norwegian government’s change in position regarding export authorizations for defense products, which has affected the implementation of the said contract,” Mohamed Khaled said.

Mohamed Khaled added that they would seek further clarification and discuss appropriate measures to safeguard the nation’s interests.

($1 = 3.9070 ringgit)

(Reporting by Ashley Tang, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)