Italy, Japan, France among options after Norway missile deal setback

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is evaluating missile systems from countries such as Italy, Japan, France, Turkey and South Korea after a naval strike missile deal with a Norwegian supplier was cancelled due to Norway’s revocation of export licences.

Defence minister Khaled Nordin said Malaysia’s priority is to secure missiles that are already in production as placing fresh orders could result in delays of up to five years, Sinar Harian reported.

“We cannot place a new order because we would have to wait a long time. That is not an option. We want what is already in production,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Kota Tinggi.

Khaled also said both pricing and integration compatibility were being evaluated.

“Perhaps the US is making some for its own ships, Italy too. If there are available units, I want to request those first,” he said.

Malaysia ordered the system from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace under a 2018 contract to equip six littoral combat ships, but the Norwegian government has since revoked the export permit, saying exports of its defence technology would be limited to its “allies and closest partners”.

The Malaysian government is now seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation from Kongsberg for direct and indirect losses as the government had already paid 95% of the RM634 million procurement price.

The US has also assured that it will consider selling a replacement.

Khaled said legal action against the company would proceed despite Norway’s apology over the matter.

“An apology is an apology, but the claim stands. The lawsuit stands against the company.

“But if Norway truly wants to maintain its friendship with Malaysia, it can help by prioritising the return of more than RM1 billion,” he said.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today