KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that it has revoked export licenses related to Malaysian naval missile systems and said sales of its most sensitive defense technology are now limited to allies and closest partners.
The move blocked the delivery of naval strike missile systems and launcher components for Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship program, sparking an outcry in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that this could damage confidence in European defense suppliers.
Norway’s foreign ministry said in response to an AP query that the government has stepped up oversight of defense technology in response to major changes in the European and global security landscape in recent years.
“The export of some of the most sensitive defense technology developed in Norway will be restricted to our allies and closest partners,” the statement said. “Sadly, this affects Malaysia.”
Malaysia signed an agreement with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace in 2018 for the NSM anti-ship missile system. The missiles are intended to arm Malaysia’s new littoral combat ships under a broader naval modernization program.
Anwar said on Thursday he raised Malaysia’s strong protest in a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gall Storr. He said Oslo’s move would harm Malaysia’s operational readiness and cast doubt on the reliability of European defense partners if signed agreements could be unilaterally revoked.
Anwar said the contracts were “not confetti scattered in such a capricious manner”. “If European defense suppliers retain the right to renege on their promises with impunity, their value as strategic partners will disappear.”
Norway’s foreign ministry said Storr explained Norway’s decision to Anwar during the call. Despite the restrictions, Norway “very much values its relationship with Malaysia” and looks forward to continued cooperation and constructive dialogue with the Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia has paid 95% of the contract value and is currently examining legal options and possible compensation claims for canceled deliveries.
