Malaysia PM Criticizes Norway Missile License Revocation

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday strongly criticized Norway's decision to revoke an export license for a naval missile system intended for Malaysia's navy, raising concerns about the reliability of European defense suppliers.

Anwar voiced Malaysia's objections during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, following Oslo's blockage in March of delivery for the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components. The equipment was contracted in 2018 to equip Malaysia's new class of littoral combat ships as part of its naval modernization program. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the government had already paid nearly 95 percent of the contract value at the time of the revocation.

"Malaysia has honored every obligation under this contract since 2018 scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation," Anwar said in a statement. "Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith."

Kongsberg Defence Aerospace AS, the Norwegian manufacturer, stated that export licensing decisions are managed solely by Norwegian authorities. The Norwegian government has not publicly...