Malaysia pursues diplomacy as missile contract faces uncertainty

Malaysia first-of-class Maharaja Lela frigate, seen here at its sea trials on 28 April 2026. (LUNAS)

Malaysia is pursuing a diplomatic solution with the Norwegian government after uncertainty emerged over its plan to equip the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN's) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in a statement on 6 May that the NSM acquisition has been affected by a shift in Norway's export policy.

He confirmed that a contract for NSM has been signed with Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace but added that the Norwegian government's position has now affected its implementation.

Kongsberg and the Norwegian Agency for Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA) had not confirmed the development and had not responded to Janes requests for information at the time of publication

In his statement, Khaled said Malaysia would pursue diplomatic channels with the Norwegian government to seek clarification and work towards what he described as the best possible solution in the national interest.

He added that Malaysia's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) remains committed to ensuring that the country's defence readiness is not compromised while maintaining good bilateral relations with Norway.

Any follow-on measures, he said, would be undertaken carefully and guided by Malaysia's strategic interests.

The statement stops short of confirming any cancellation of the NSM procurement, indicating instead that the contract remains in place but is facing uncertainty linked to export licensing issues.

NSM had been earmarked as the principal anti-ship armament for Malaysia's Maharaja Lela-class frigates under the RMN's six-ship LCS programme.

The class's lead vessel, which will be in service as KD Maharaja Lela