Norway’s missile export to Malaysia derailed by US-made component

Monday 21 Sep 2026

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KUALA LUMPUR (May 19): Norway’s missile export to Malaysia was halted by the presence of a component meant only for America’s closest partners, according to a report.

The Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) developed by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace utilise a US-made gyroscope component now facing restrictions from sale to third parties, USNI News reported, citing an unnamed official.

The key component measures and maintains orientation to keep the missile on course to its target.

“Norway’s new restrictions on arms exports meant that Kongsberg could no longer supply the NSMs, as the missile would only be exported out of Norway to Nato and Nato partner nations,” the US Naval Institute’s online news portal said.

Malaysia is not part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization nor its 35 partner-countries.

The NSM is a ship-mounted weapon system currently fielded by countries such as Australia and the UK. The system is also available as a shore-launched system, deployed by Poland and Romania. The US also fields the system.

Norway invoked ‘force majeure’ to cancel the contract, USNI News reported, citing Malaysia’s Defence Ministry secretary general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali. A force majeure declaration excuses a firm from fulfilling contractual obligations due to factors beyond its control.

“We are very disappointed with the decision, and we will seek to claim back the money paid under the contract,” Lokman was quoted as saying by USNI News.

Edited ByJason Ng

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