‘Contracts are not confetti’, Anwar tells Norway over halted missile delivery

“KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said Malaysia has strongly objected to Norway’s decision to revoke export approval for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, warning that the move could affect the country’s defence readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme. In a statement, Anwar said he conveyed Malaysia’s objection directly to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a telephone conversation, describing Oslo’s decision as “unilateral and unacceptable”. “I made it plain that this decision will have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme. It will undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance,” he said. Anwar said Malaysia had honoured every obligation under the contract since 2018 “scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation”, but said Norway had not extended the same good faith. “Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” he said. “If European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window.” The missiles were ordered in 2018 for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s LCS fleet, with Norway reportedly refusing to approve the export licence shortly before shipment. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had said the missiles were scheduled for delivery in March this year, and were intended for the LCS fleet as well as naval vessels KD Jebat and KD Lekiu. Reuters reported that Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS said export licensing decisions are handled by Norwegian authorities, while Norway’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had revoked certain export licences related to specific technologies, citing stricter controls. The NSM procurement was formalised between the Royal Malaysian Navy and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS in April 2018, in a deal worth €124 million, or about RM571.9 million, to equip six new LCS vessels.

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