The United States has denied any role in Norway’s decision to cancel a missile sale to Malaysia, saying it had supported the acquisition, after the dispute raised questions over Washington’s influence on weapons deals involving American-made components.
The dispute centres on Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) built by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for a fleet of new Malaysian combat ships, with Kuala Lumpur saying it had already paid 95 per cent of the contract, valued at €126 million (US$146.4 million).
Washington’s denial came days after a report claimed the sale may have been blocked because the Norwegian-made missiles contained American-made parts, placing them under US export restrictions.
Advertisement
The US government said it was “not involved in the decision” by Norway and supported Malaysia’s acquisition of the missiles as a means to respond to regional threats and protect its sovereignty.
“For example, the United States facilitated the integration of necessary guidance components for NSM to Kongsberg in 2024 to ensure delivery of the system to Malaysia,” David H Gamble, chargé d’affaires of the US embassy in Malaysia, said in a statement to This Week in Asia.
Advertisement
“The United States remains committed to our robust defence and security relationship with Malaysia,” he added.