Norway defends its decision to cancel missile system sale to Malaysia

Visitors are gathered next to a display of an NSM Naval Strike Missile made by Norwegian company Kongsberg, presented at the Euronaval show, in Le Bourget, North of Paris, France, Wednesday Oct. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Norway’s foreign ministry affirmed Friday it has revoked export licenses tied to a naval missile system for Malaysia, saying sales of its most sensitive defense technologies are now restricted to allies and closest partners.

The move blocked delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components intended for Malaysia’s littoral combat ship program, prompting sharp protests from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned it could damage confidence in European defense suppliers.

Norway’s foreign ministry said in reply to Associated Press queries that the government has strengthened oversight on defense technology in response to major shifts in the security landscape in Europe and globally in recent years.

“Exports of some of the most sensitive Norwegian-developed defense technologies will be limited to our allies and closest partners,” it said. “It is regrettable that this affects Malaysia.”