KUALA LUMPUR — Norway has defended its decision to revoke export licences for Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system intended for Malaysia, saying its most sensitive defence technologies will now only be supplied to allies and its closest partners.
Putrajaya had reacted strongly to the move which effectively halts delivery of the NSM system and launcher components meant for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.
The Associated Press (AP) reported Norway’s foreign ministry saying its government had tightened oversight on defence technology exports following major shifts in the global and European security landscape in recent years.
“Exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegian-developed defence technologies will be limited to our allies and closest partners,” the ministry was quoted as saying by AP.
“It is regrettable that this affects Malaysia.”
Malaysia signed an agreement in 2018 with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS for the acquisition of the NSM anti-ship missile system as part of efforts to modernise the country’s naval capabilities through the LCS programme.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had conveyed Malaysia’s “vehement objection” during a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Thursday.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia had fulfilled all obligations under the contract “scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation” since the agreement was signed.
“Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith,” he said.
He warned that Oslo’s decision could severely affect Malaysia’s defence readiness and undermine confidence in European defence suppliers.
“Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They 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,” he added.
The Norwegian foreign ministry said Støre had explained the rationale behind the decision during his call with Anwar.
Despite the cancellation, Oslo said it “greatly values its relationship with Malaysia” and hopes to maintain constructive engagement with Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia has reportedly paid 95% of the contract value and is now exploring possible legal action and compensation claims arising from the halted delivery.
The NSM, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, is regarded as a fifth-generation precision-guided strike missile system designed for naval vessels and coastal defence operations.
Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence, reportedly on national security grounds, has sparked wider concerns over the reliability of European defence suppliers, particularly when signed agreements can be withdrawn unilaterally.
Analysts said the development also highlights the risks faced by countries such as Malaysia in relying heavily on foreign defence partners amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. - May 18, 2026
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