Defense experts warn the halt in delivering Norwegian missiles for Malaysia's littoral combat ships is a setback to maritime warfare modernization capabilities, suggesting potential legal action and foreign supplier diversification to restore national dignity and defense interests.
PETALING JAYA: The halted delivery of Norwegian missiles for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s littoral combat ships would be a setback to the modernisation of the country’s maritime warfare capabilities, say defence experts .
They also said while Malaysia has a right to legal action over the alleged breach of contract, there must be tact and diplomacy in navigating a solution as it entails a government-to-government relationship. Defence analyst Zaki Salleh said with Norway’s refusal, Malaysia may be forced to seek more than just monetary compensation.
“Malaysia has the right to examine whether there has been a breach of contract terms, administrative costs, strategic losses or financial implications arising from the cancellation. “At the same time, compensation for losses should be pursued from the supplier company. ” Zaki cautioned that Malaysia cannot be seen as too weak to the point that the country’s strategic interests are sidelined.
“Malaysia and Norway have always maintained good trade relations although the export-import value is relatively modest, ranging between RM1bil and RM2bil. “There could be a significant impact on Norway as around 50 Norwegian companies are involved in oil and gas operations in Malaysia as well as other industries,” said Zaki. He said a professional approach through diplomatic channels, legal avenues and strategic negotiations is the most appropriate path to ensure national dignity, defence interests and international relations are safeguarded.
“Following this, the government should diversify defence procurement sources so as not to rely too heavily on a single country or bloc. He said the main implication of the cancellation is on the planning and modernisation of the country’s defence capabilities.
“The Naval Strike Missile is among the modern anti-ship missile systems with a strong reputation in the international market. Prof Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia’s Faculty of Defence Studies and Management said Malaysia should insist that the Norwegian company fulfil the contract.
“The refusal by the Norwegian government to export the missiles actually stems from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. “It has nothing to do with us. The problem is on the curb on sale of military assets due to their regional cooperation and the United States.
“The decision by Norway did not include Malaysia in the discussion although a contract was signed with a Norwegian company on the sale of the missiles,” said Prof Mohd Mizan. “We need to make this issue significant, so that everyone – particularly at the international level – understands that the decision is unprofessional, unethical and unacceptable, and that it has a major impact on our country.
” On May 12, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the missiles, which were supposed to be delivered in March this year, were blocked after the Norwegian government refused to approve the export licence just days before shipment. He said the missiles were meant to equip the LCS fleet, as well as naval vessels KD Jebat and KD Lekiu.
Norwegian Missiles Malaysia's LCS Maritime Warfare Modernization Defence Experts Norway Government-To-Government Relationship Compensation Procurement Sources Foreign Relations
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Govt mulls missile follow-upKUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar for a seventh straight trading day ahead of the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14-15, 2026.
Read more »
Signed contracts not 'confetti to be scattered', says Anwar on Norway's missile export blockKUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar for a seventh straight trading day ahead of the high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14-15, 2026.
Read more »
Anwar slams Norway’s move to revoke missile export licencePrime minister says contracts are solemn instruments, 'not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner'.
Read more »
Defence Ministry assessing legal action, compensation over cancelled missile contractA Japanese company making ferocious-looking robot wolves is being swamped by orders after record numbers of fatal bear attacks on humans last year.
Read more »