KOTA TINGGI: The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) supplier has requested discussions over the RM1.06bil claim stemming from the cancelled procurement for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
However, the Defence Minister said the ministry is cautious about any discussion being used as an excuse or tactic to delay the claims process.
“The company has requested a meeting and we are open to discussion. But we are always aware and vigilant against any such tactics to avoid being trapped,” he told reporters after attending the Ilmiah Keagamaan Masyarakat programme at Felda Air Tawar 2 here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Recently, the Norwegian government was reported to have revoked the export licence for the anti-ship missiles and their launch systems on security grounds.
According to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace’s (KDA) website, the NSM deal was signed with RMN in April 2018 worth €124mil (RM571.9mil) to equip six new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
Following the cancellation, Malaysia is claiming RM1.06bil from KDA, comprising €129.86mil (RM604mil) in direct claims for payments already made, plus €96.26mil (RM448.12mil) in indirect claims, covering cost implications and knock-on effects from the failed supply.
In a related development, Mohamed Khaled said an evaluation team of navy officers has been formed to identify the best missile system from four countries to replace KDA’s NSM.
“Yes, it’s underway. We want it evaluated as soon as possible,” he said briefly.
On June 28, Mohamed Khaled said the ministry had identified four potential countries to supply the anti-ship missile system for the LCS.
Turkiye and South Korea are among the contenders, along with two European nations.
On another matter, he said the probe report into the grenade explosion that claimed the lives of two military personnel during a training exercise at Hobart Camp in Gurun last month is expected to be submitted to the ministry by the middle of this month.
“The report is being finalised before being submitted for further action,” the minister said, adding that the army had also been directed to review its training approach, including taking into account the second incident that occurred at the same camp.
“We need to determine whether there were any other shortcomings or weaknesses.
“A decision will be made after receiving the findings of the investigation.”
On June 16, two personnel – Kpl Norazmi Abu Bakar of the Sixth Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, and Pbt Siti Khadijah Sungip of the First Squadron, Royal Engineers Regiment – suffered severe injuries in the explosion during the training exercise.
Both personnel were pronounced dead while being rushed to Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim in Sungai Petani.
Two weeks later, on June 29, another incident occurred at the same camp when a firearm discharged during a combat enhancement training exercise, injuring two personnel.
Sjn Mohamad Firdaus Che Shaharudin and Kpl Felix Franchis of the Fourth Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment, suffered leg injuries after being struck by shrapnel.
