KOTA TINGGI: The Defence Ministry is negotiating with potential suppliers to replace the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system from Norway, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the procurement process was ongoing and was not dependent on the ministry's annual budget allocation.
"We are still negotiating and have narrowed down the countries that could supply the replacement for the NSM from Norway.
"We will ensure that the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will not have to wait too long before it is fully equipped," he told reporters after launching the Jana Komuniti programme and witnessing the first harvest under the Jana Veteran programme here Sunday (Oct 11).
Mohamed Khaled said the vessel was already equipped with surface-to-air and anti-submarine missiles, as well as electronic warfare systems capable of jamming enemy missiles.
He said the only weapon system still lacking was the surface-to-surface missile system.
"For now, in the absence of that system, we can rely on the Air Force to carry out such engagements," he said.
On calls by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim for the government to expedite investigations into the LCS project instead of relying on a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), Mohamed Khaled said the matter should be left to the relevant enforcement authorities.
He said the matter was not new and that those raising the issue had previously been part of the government and were still in government.
He added that investigations into the project had already resulted in legal action being taken against certain individuals.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that the completion of the LCS project should not be tied to the establishment of an RCI.
He said the shipbuilder had been instructed to expedite work on the vessel and ensure there were no further delays.
