Norway halts NSM missile exports to Malaysia, triggering diplomatic backlash

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly objected to Norway’s decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its associated launcher systems, following a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

In a public statement shared on social media, Anwar said he conveyed Malaysia’s “vehement objection” to what he described as a unilateral and unacceptable move by Norway, which he said Oslo justified on national security grounds.

Malaysia stressed that it has fully honoured all contractual obligations under the agreement since 2018, describing its conduct as “scrupulous and faithful,” and accusing Norway of failing to extend the same level of good faith in return.

The decision, according to Anwar, could have serious consequences for Malaysia’s defence preparedness, particularly affecting the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation program. He warned that the disruption may undermine operational readiness at a critical stage of capability development.

Anwar also cautioned that the move could have broader regional implications, potentially influencing the strategic balance in Southeast Asia. He argued that defense contracts should be treated as binding commitments, stating that “signed contracts are solemn instruments” and warning that perceived unpredictability among European defence suppliers could damage trust in long-term partnerships.

Norwegian authorities have not publicly provided any additional reasoning for the revocation beyond national security considerations.

The original NSM contract was signed in April 2018, when Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace secured a contract worth €124 million with the Royal Malaysian Navy for the delivery of naval strike missiles for six new littoral combat ships. The vessels are being constructed by Boustead Naval Shipyard based on Naval Group’s Gowind-class design.

According to the original announcement, the NSM systems were to be deck-mounted and integrated with the SETIS combat management system supplied by Naval Group. At the time, Kongsberg said the agreement reinforced the missile’s strong international position, noting that the NSM had been selected by Norway, Poland, Germany and Malaysia.