KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry will intensify efforts to strengthen the local defence industry to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
This follows Norway's unilateral cancellation of an export licence for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system meant for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
The Defence Minister said currently, about 30% of components used in the LCS construction are sourced locally, with plans to increase local participation further.
"We need to improve and strengthened the local defence industry to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
"Thus, we are aiming to increase local participation of local companies," he told reporters after visiting the Lumut Naval Shipyard in Perak on Tuesday (May 19).
