Malaysia ‘very disappointed’ as Norway blocks missile export permit for LCS deal, says Fahmi

“PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — Malaysia is “very disappointed” with the Norwegian government after it allegedly refused to issue an export permit for missiles already contracted by Malaysia, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today. Fahmi said the matter had been raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during discussions with his Norwegian counterpart, and described the move as unacceptable. “The Malaysian government is very disappointed with the actions of the Norwegian government, which did not approve the export permit for the delivery of missiles,” he said after the weekly Cabinet meeting. According to Fahmi, the defence contract has been in place since 2018, and payments have been made according to schedule. He said the permit refusal came at the “last minute”, preventing the Norwegian company involved from completing the delivery. Fahmi said Putrajaya is now pursuing diplomatic channels while also studying possible legal action. “The Malaysian government cannot accept the excuses given by the Norwegian government. Diplomatic efforts are underway, while the Malaysian government is also considering the appropriate legal procedures. “The planning and implementation of national defence strategy is of strategic importance and cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” he said. When asked whether compensation would be sought, Fahmi said the matter remains under review from both diplomatic and legal angles. He stressed that the dispute involves the Norwegian government’s export approval process rather than the company itself. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said yesterday that Malaysia was “shocked” after Norway halted delivery of missiles ordered in 2018 for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). He said the missiles, scheduled for delivery in March this year, were blocked after the Norwegian government refused to approve the export licence just days before shipment. Khaled said the missiles were intended for the LCS fleet as well as the naval vessels KD Jebat and KD Lekiu. On Saturday , Bernama reported that Norwegian defence manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KDA) clarified that export licensing decisions regarding the supply of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the LCS were handled entirely by Norwegian authorities. KDA spokesman Ivar Simensen said the company operates in strict accordance with legal frameworks established by the Norwegian government. The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Ministry was reported to have revoked certain export licences related to specific technologies, citing stricter export controls. According to KDA’s website, procurement of the NSM was formalised between the Royal Malaysian Navy and KDA in April 2018 in a deal worth €124 million (RM571.9 million) to equip six new LCS vessels. The missile is capable of long-range maritime strikes at high subsonic speeds, with a range exceeding 300km.

Summary generated from the RSS feed of Malay Mail Education. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia.