Malaysia Stops Procurement of Defense Equipment from Norway

JAKARTA - The Malaysian government has decided to stop procuring defense equipment from Norway, following Norway's unilateral cancellation of its export license for missiles to Malaysia.

"The Cabinet has decided that the Malaysian Defense Ministry should immediately stop any new procurement of defense equipment and supplies from Norway," said Malaysian Government Spokesperson and Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 8.

Fahmi stated that the decision was taken after the Malaysian government reviewed the latest developments regarding the decision of the Norwegian government to cancel the export permit for missiles to Malaysia, which were to be installed on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).

Previously, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also conveyed his strong objection to the revocation of the export permit or license for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM/naval attack missile) to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store through a telephone conversation.

According to Anwar, the decision was made unilaterally by Norway under the pretext of protecting Norwegian security.

Anwar emphasized that Malaysia has fulfilled every obligation in this contract since 2018 carefully, in good faith, and without the slightest doubt.

"However, it seems that Norway does not feel the need to show the same attitude to us or to uphold this good faith," said Anwar.