Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik has apologised to Malaysia over Norway’s decision to revoke an export licence for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) intended for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The apology was delivered during a meeting with Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on 31 May.
According to Mohamed Khaled, Sandvik explained the reasons behind Norway’s decision to cancel the export licence. While Malaysia accepted the explanation, the minister said the government remained disappointed by the outcome.
“We conveyed honestly and plainly our disappointment,” Mohamed Khaled told Bernama after the meeting. He noted that Malaysia and Norway have maintained a close relationship for many years.
The missile deal was signed in 2018 between the Royal Malaysian Navy and Norwegian defence company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The contract, valued at 124 million euros, was intended to equip six Malaysian Littoral Combat Ships with the NSM system.
Norway later revoked the export licence, citing national security concerns.
Malaysia is now seeking the return of payments already made under the contract. Mohamed Khaled said approximately 95 per cent of the contract value has already been paid and that Malaysia has sent a formal letter of demand to the company involved.
He added that Sandvik had agreed to raise the matter with the Norwegian government, although Malaysia remains uncertain whether the funds will be returned.
The cancellation has become a rare point of tension in defence relations between Norway and Malaysia, with both sides signalling a desire to maintain their longstanding ties despite the dispute.
