Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Norway’s move on Thursday to revoke the export license for a naval missile system for his country’s navy, warning it could damage confidence in European defence suppliers.
Anwar said he raised Malaysia’s “vehement objection” during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, after Oslo blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components intended for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship programme.
“Malaysia has honoured 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."
The missile manufacturer, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, said export licensing decisions are handled entirely by Norwegian authorities, according to Malaysian national news agency Bernama.
