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NORWAY has apologised to Malaysia after its sudden decision to revoke an export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) triggered a diplomatic and defence dispute between the two countries, drawing strong objections from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and raising broader concerns over international defence commitments.
The controversy stems from Oslo’s move to withdraw approval for the export of the NSM anti-ship missile system to Malaysia, despite an agreement signed in 2018 with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme. Norway has reportedly justified the decision on national security grounds, a rationale firmly rejected by Kuala Lumpur.
On 14 May, Anwar said he directly conveyed Malaysia’s strong objection to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a telephone conversation, describing the decision as unilateral and incompatible with Malaysia’s compliance with its contractual obligations.
He stressed that Malaysia had fully met its commitments under the agreement since 2018 and warned that the abrupt suspension risked undermining operational readiness, the LCS modernisation programme, and wider regional strategic stability.
In a Facebook statement days after the incident, Anwar said he had delivered what he described as a “strong protest” to Oslo.
“I have conveyed Malaysia’s strong objection in a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Norway regarding Norway’s unilateral and unacceptable decision to revoke the export licence for the NSM system and its associated launch systems, purportedly on the grounds of safeguarding Norway’s security.
“Malaysia has fulfilled every obligation under this contract since 2018 with full diligence, loyalty and without any doubt. However, Norway does not appear to consider it necessary to reciprocate with the same respect and good faith.
“A signed contract is a legally binding document. It is not merely a piece of paper that can be treated at will.
“If European defence suppliers believe they can breach agreements without consequence, then their value as strategic partners will disappear entirely,” he said.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is scheduled to meet his Norwegian counterpart in Singapore later this month, where Malaysia is expected to seek formal clarification and express its dissatisfaction over the cancellation of missile deliveries, which had reportedly been close to completion before the suspension.
The dispute comes amid reports that Norway’s foreign ministry has tightened export controls and withdrawn several licences involving sensitive technologies as part of a broader policy shift.
The NSM, a long-range subsonic anti-ship missile with a strike range exceeding 300 kilometres, is part of a 124 million euro (US$184.91 million) contract signed in April 2018 between the Royal Malaysian Navy and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to equip six Littoral Combat Ships.
Malaysia’s response underscores growing unease over the reliability of international defence supply chains, particularly for long-term strategic procurement programmes, as both sides prepare for further diplomatic engagement.
The issue was further highlighted at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, where Khaled Nordin publicly criticised the cancellation, saying it reflected a breakdown of trust in international agreements and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at a plenary session on regional tensions, Khaled argued that global trust in international commitments has become increasingly conditional and inconsistent.
“If even a nation well known for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize could abandon commitment without consequences, then I am afraid international relations are no longer governed by principles,” he said.
He also questioned what he described as selective enforcement of international norms, warning that such inconsistencies undermine the credibility of the rules-based global order.
“When developing nations violate an agreement, they face condemnation and pressure,” he said in his May 31 speech.
“But when powerful countries or their allies do the same, the international response becomes conspicuously muted,” he added.
He further said the perceived silence on Norway’s decision sent a troubling message that some states were “above scrutiny”.
Speaking to reporters after a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik, Khaled said Malaysia had formally expressed disappointment and regret over the incident.
He warned that the episode had damaged bilateral relations, adding that any repair would depend on financial restitution.
“This episode will remain a blot in our relationship. The relationship we enjoyed all this while will not be the same again,” Khaled told reporters.
The dispute also surfaced in wider discussions at the forum, where questions were raised about selective application of international law. A delegate from Indonesia prompted responses from international counterparts, though some avoided directly addressing the issue, instead highlighting conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
As diplomatic talks continue, Malaysia is reportedly exploring alternative suppliers to meet its naval capability requirements, including discussions with the United States.
The unfolding dispute highlights the fragility of defence procurement agreements amid shifting geopolitical alignments, with both countries now seeking to manage the fallout of a contract cancellation that has quickly escalated into a broader test of strategic trust. - May 31, 2026
