KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia is considering spending between RM700mil and more than RM1bil on a new surface-to-surface missile system to replace the one from Norway, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He added that three countries were currently being considered for the procurement, which would be aimed at replacing the missile system that was originally intended for the Navy’s vessels.
Mohamed Khaled said the Government could not afford to wait for the recovery of funds tied up in the Norwegian procurement before deciding on a replacement.
“So, how do we replace the missile that was supposed to be placed on the ship? The Government may have to consider a new allocation to buy a new missile to replace the one from Norway,” he said.
The Kota Tinggi MP added that Malaysia was assessing several factors, including the price, delivery period and whether the new missile could be integrated with the combat management system already installed on its ships.
“Missiles are not like buying a car from a showroom. They have to be ordered, and it can take three or four years,” he said after attending a groundbreaking ceremony for an additional building at an orphanage organisation here.
Mohamed Khaled said the combat management system on the vessels was supplied by a French naval defence company, making compatibility an important consideration in selecting the replacement missile.
“So, whichever missile we want to buy, can it be integrated with that system?” he said.
He added that the Government was also continuing efforts to recover the funds from Norway, but warned that Malaysia could not rely on getting the money back before addressing its defence requirements.
Mohamed Khaled said Norway had not taken responsibility for the matter despite the longstanding relationship between the two countries, while the company involved was also allegedly delaying the process.
“We will continue to pursue (the money),” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia’s broader defence preparedness had become increasingly important amid developments around Balabac Island in the southern Philippines.
He added the increased presence of Philippine forces and the United States in the area was a concern because Balabac was geographically close to Malaysia.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that Malaysia’s preparations were not aimed at confronting the Philippines, but at ensuring the country was prepared should any conflict in the area spill over into Malaysian territory.
“If there is fighting, a clash or anything that happens in that area, the effects could spill over into Malaysia,” he said.
He said the situation could become more complicated if tensions involving the Philippines, the United States and China resulted in an unexpected confrontation.
“If there is any provocation and an unexpected conflict, it must have an impact on us,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled added that Malaysia therefore needed to maintain adequate defence capabilities as a precaution against any possible spillover, including the potential movement of people fleeing a conflict towards Malaysian territory.
He reiterated that the preparations were defensive in nature and part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to ensure it was ready to respond to developments in the region.
