MP shoots down minister's response on Norway missile export ban

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has shot down Defence Minister Khaled Nordin’s response that the ministry is using diplomatic channels to review Norway’s export ban that could leave Malaysia’s littoral combat ships (LCS) without an anti-surface missile armament.

Lim described Khaled’s remarks as unconvincing and raised further questions about the long-delayed LCS project.

“The people have the right to know whether the government will now have to bear additional costs to modify the ships or obtain a replacement system if the naval strike missile (NSM) contract truly cannot proceed due to changes in Norway’s export policy.

“After years of delay and billions of ringgit spent, the people now see the LCS project as no longer merely a troubled project, but at risk of becoming a symbol of failure in the country’s defence management,” said Lim in a statement.

Khaled on Wednesday said his ministry will continue ensuring that the nation’s readiness and strategic defence needs are not jeopardised, while maintaining longstanding good relations with Norway.

The statement followed a report by news portal Malaysian Defence earlier that day, which claimed Norway had banned NSM exports to Malaysia.

Each of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s five Maharaja Lela-class LCS is meant to be armed with eight such missiles. They are primarily used to attack naval targets from hundreds of kilometres away, but can also be used against land-based targets.

The lead ship, KD Maharaja Lela, had begun sea trials in January and is slated for delivery in December.

However, the export ban would mean the Norwegian defence firm Kongsberg would have to cancel the contract signed in 2018, as it could not legally deliver the missiles to Malaysia that would equip the ship.

In addition, existing equipment on the LCS, such as ramps for NSM launchers and ancillary wiring, may need to be removed, and the ship’s combat management system will need to be changed once the government chooses to adopt a different missile.

Commenting further, Lim urged Khaled to provide a detailed explanation before a parliamentary special select committee, and to name those responsible for alleged oversight on the Norway ban.

“This is not merely a technical issue. It involves the credibility of the country’s defence system and public confidence in the Defence Ministry’s ability to manage the country’s strategic assets,” he stressed.

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