Malaysian prime minister condemns Norway’s withdrawal of missile export license

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sharply criticised Norway’s unilateral decision to revoke the export license for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system, warning of serious consequences for regional security, Dagbladet reports.

In a statement posted on X, Anwar confirmed he had conveyed Malaysia’s protest directly to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in a phone call. He emphasised that Malaysia had fulfilled all contractual obligations since the 2018 agreement, while Norway had failed to extend the same courtesy.

The withdrawal “will undoubtedly have broader consequences for the regional balance of power,” Anwar wrote, adding that it undermines Malaysia’s coastal combat vessel modernisation programme and its overall defence capabilities.

He reserved particular criticism for European defence suppliers, accusing them of treating signed contracts as disposable: “Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered about so capriciously.”

Norwegian authorities have not yet publicly commented on the decision.