Anwar tells Norway PM that revoking the NSM export licence will harm Malaysia’s defence readiness and regional stability.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia’s vehement objection to Norway’s unilateral and unacceptable decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, ostensibly to protect Norway’s security.
In a Facebook post today, Anwar said the matter was conveyed in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
He said Malaysia has honoured every obligation under this contract since 2018, scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation.
“Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he made it plain that this decision will have grave consequences for Malaysia’s defence operational readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme, adding that it will undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance.
“Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” he said.
Anwar said if European defence suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window.
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has reportedly withdrawn several export licences related to certain technologies as part of the country’s move to tighten export controls.
According to the website of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KDA), the procurement of the NSM was signed between the Royal Malaysian Navy and KDA in April 2018 with a contract value of 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) to equip six new LCS vessels.
