OSLO, May 15: Norway’s foreign ministry affirmed Friday it has revoked export licenses tied to a naval missile system for Malaysia, saying sales of its most sensitive defence technologies are now restricted to allies and closest partners.
The move blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components intended for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship programme, prompting sharp protests from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned it could damage confidence in European defence suppliers.
Norway’s foreign ministry said in reply to Associated Press queries that the government has strengthened oversight on defence technology in response to major shifts in the security landscape in Europe and globally in recent years.
“Exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegian-developed defence technologies will be limited to our allies and closest partners,” it said. “It is regrettable that this affects Malaysia.”
Malaysia inked a deal for the NSM anti-ship missile system in 2018 with Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS. The missiles were intended to arm Malaysia’s new class of littoral combat ships under a broader naval modernisation program.
Anwar said Thursday he raised Malaysia’s strong protest during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. He said Oslo’s move would hurt Malaysia’s operational readiness and cast doubt on the reliability of European defence partners if signed agreements could be reversed unilaterally.
Contracts are “not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” Anwar said. “If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window.”
The Norway foreign ministry said Store had explained Norway’s decision to Anwar during their call. Despite the curbs, it said Norway “greatly values its relationship with Malaysia” and looked forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia has already paid 95 per cent of the contract value and is now examining legal options and possible compensation claims over the cancelled delivery. (AP)
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