KUALA LUMPUR, 7 MAY – The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Norwegian authorities have revoked several export licences involving specific technologies, citing stricter controls on such technologies.
In an email response to Air Times, the ministry said the decision was made by Norwegian authorities, but did not specify the technologies, companies or contracts involved.
“Norwegian authorities have concluded to revoke certain export licenses related to specific technologies. This change is due to Norway’s stricter controls of certain technologies.
“Norway greatly values its strong relationship with Malaysia, and we look forward to continued cooperation and our constructive dialogue with the Malaysian authorities,” the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The response followed questions from Air Times on whether the revocation was directly linked to Norway’s new defence export regulations and the establishment of the Directorate of Export Control and Sanctions (DEKSA) in January 2025.
However, the ministry did not state whether the decision was a direct consequence of DEKSA’s establishment or part of a broader policy restricting defence-related exports to non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries, including Malaysia.
Norway values strong ties with Malaysia
Norway also emphasised that it values its relationship with Malaysia and looks forward to continued cooperation with Malaysian authorities.
Air Times also sought comments from DEKSA, but had not received a response at the time of writing.
The matter came into focus following reports of possible implications for Malaysia’s procurement of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship missile system produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS for the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ships (LCS).
Previously, the Ministry of Defence said it was examining the matter and would hold discussions with the Norwegian government to obtain further clarification.
Fifth-generation missile selected for LCS
The NSM is a fifth-generation anti-ship missile produced by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. It is designed for surface-to-surface strikes against maritime targets.
The system was selected to equip the RMN’s Maharaja Lela-class LCS, which is based on the Gowind design by Naval Group.
The NSM has a high-subsonic speed, weighs about 407 kilogrammes and measures 3.96 metres in length.
Based on publicly available information, the missile’s operational range exceeds 300 kilometres. The 300-kilometre threshold is often an important reference point in international missile export controls, including under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
According to Kongsberg, the NSM was developed with high survivability features during its approach to target.
These include sea-skimming flight, passive sensors, a low radar profile, terrain-following flight and terminal manoeuvres designed to penetrate modern air defence systems.
The NSM is also equipped with Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) through a high-resolution imaging infrared seeker.
This allows the missile to identify ship classes and select a more precise impact point against maritime targets.
NSM missile family
Apart from the ship-launched variant, the NSM missile family also includes a coastal defence system and the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), an air-launched variant developed from NSM technology.
The JSM weighs about 416 kilogrammes, measures 4 metres in length and has an operational range exceeding 350 kilometres.
It is designed for integration with the F-35, and can also be integrated with other fighter aircraft such as the F-16, F/A-18E/F and F-15E, subject to configuration and customer requirements. – airtimes.my
