Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on social media that the Norwegian authorities had terminated the contract between Malaysia and the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace for the supply of NSM (Naval Strike Missile) anti-ship missiles. “I conveyed Malaysia's strong opposition to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in a telephone conversation,” the politician wrote on X. He called Norway's decision “unacceptable” and added that it would have “serious consequences for the operational readiness of Malaysia's defense and the coastal combat ship modernization program.”
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Norway broke the agreement with Malaysia. “Higher power”
Norway's move blocked the delivery of the Naval Strike Missile system and launcher components to Malaysia. Under the 2018 agreement, they were to be intended for the Malaysian combat ship program. After this decision, the system will be exported from Norway only to NATO and NATO partner countries, and Malaysia is not one of them.
As reported by the Malaysian Ministry of Defense after the meeting with the Norwegian delegation, Norway, when canceling the agreement, invoked “force majeure” – a clause that exempts both parties from liability or obligations resulting from extraordinary circumstances – reports the US Naval Institute. Malaysia announced that it would expect more explanations from Norway.
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“Malaysia has been fulfilling every obligation arising from this agreement since 2018: scrupulously, faithfully and without reservations. Norway, it seems, did not feel obliged to show us the same kindness,” wrote the Malaysian Prime Minister on X. He added that agreements between countries “are not confetti that can be scattered in such a capricious way” and “if European defense suppliers reserve the right to withdraw from these commitments with impunity, their value as strategic partners ceases to exist.”
