Norway Revokes Export Licenses for Naval Missile System to Malaysia

Norway’s foreign ministry affirmed on Friday that it has revoked export licenses tied to a naval missile system for Malaysia. The ministry stated that sales of its most sensitive defense technologies are now restricted to allies and closest partners only.

The decision blocks delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components that were intended for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship program. Malaysia signed a deal for the system in 2018 with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS. The missiles were meant to arm the country’s new class of littoral combat ships as part of a broader naval modernization program.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that the revocation could damage confidence in European defense suppliers. He raised Malaysia’s strong protest during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Anwar said the move would hurt Malaysia’s operational readiness and cast doubt on the reliability of European defense partners if signed agreements can be reversed unilaterally.

““Contracts are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner.””

The Norway foreign ministry said Støre had explained Norway’s decision to Anwar during their call. It added that Norway greatly values its relationship with Malaysia and looks forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with Malaysian authorities.

Malaysia has already paid 95% of the contract value. The country is now examining legal options and possible compensation claims over the canceled delivery.

The foreign ministry said in response to queries that the government has strengthened oversight on defense technology. This action came in response to major shifts in the security landscape in Europe and globally in recent years. The ministry stated that exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegian-developed defense technologies will be limited to allies and closest partners.