Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia's objection to Norway's decision to revoke the export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system and its launcher systems, citing Norway's security concerns. In a Facebook post, Anwar detailed his discussion with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store regarding the issue.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision has significant implications for Malaysia. Anwar emphasized that Malaysia has adhered to all contractual obligations since 2018. He criticized Norway for not reciprocating the same level of commitment, suggesting that the revocation could impact Malaysia's defence readiness and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) modernisation programme, potentially affecting regional stability.

Anwar underscored the importance of honouring signed contracts, describing them as solemn commitments rather than arbitrary agreements. He warned that if European defence suppliers can backtrack on agreements without repercussions, their credibility as strategic partners is diminished.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has reportedly rescinded several export licences for certain technologies as part of its strategy to enhance export controls. Information from Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS (KDA) indicates that the NSM procurement deal with the Royal Malaysian Navy was finalized in April 2018 for 124 million euros (RM571.9 million) to outfit six new LCS vessels.