KLUANG: The sudden termination of missile deliveries from Norway for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) is shocking, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the missiles, which were ordered in 2018 and expected to be delivered two months ago, were suddenly blocked after the Norwegian government refused to approve the export licence just days before shipment.
He added that the missiles were meant to equip the LCS fleet as well as RMN vessels KD Jebat and KD Lekiu.
“Several days before delivery, without warning, the Norwegian government informed us that it would not approve the export licence for the products.
“After eight years, this is shocking and has affected us,” he told reporters after launching the Madani Economy Programme for the Armed Forces at the Fifth Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment (5 RAMD) in Batu 3 Camp here yesterday.
He said Putrajaya was now addressing the matter through diplomatic channels, including discussions involving the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both countries.
“I may meet the Norwegian Defence Minister in Singapore at the end of this month to convey our concerns over this shocking decision,” said Mohamed Khaled.
“However, this does not reflect the good relations between the two countries.”
On defence procurement, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia will only begin evaluating new multi-role combat aircraft acquisitions closer to 2030, as the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s existing F/A-18 and Sukhoi jets are expected to remain in service until 2035.
He said the ministry is currently studying the latest military technologies and assessing suitable assets based on the country’s defence doctrine and operational requirements.
He was responding to a question on whether Malaysia was interested in purchasing Russian fighter jets displayed during His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s visit to Russia.
Mohamed Khaled said the acquisition of FA-50 light combat aircraft would replace the ageing Hawk fleet and complement the country’s existing fighter aircraft.
He added that Malaysia had cancelled its earlier plan to acquire Kuwait’s F/A-18 jets due to the FA-50 purchase, with deliveries expected to begin at the end of this year.
On the Madani Economy Programme, Mohamed Khaled said it was aimed at improving the welfare and economic resilience of armed forces personnel and their families at military camps nationwide.
He said the programme involved military veterans and wives of serving personnel in various economic projects aimed at generating additional household income.
Among the projects introduced under the initiative are kelulut honey farming, mushroom cultivation and the production of retort food products.
Mohamed Khaled said more than 1,000 armed forces families have benefited from the programme so far.
