Kerajaan pertimbang lebih RM1 bilion untuk sistem peluru berpandu baharu

Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia, Khaled Nordin, is contemplating spending between RM700 million and over RM1 billion on acquiring a new surface-to-surface missile system for the Royal Malaysian Navy's Landing Craft Support (LCS) vessels. The decision comes after Norway cancelled an export license for the system intended for the LCS.

Nordin stated that the new missile system must be installed on the LCS Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM), but the country cannot wait for the money from Norway before purchasing a replacement system. "How will we replace the missile system meant to be installed on that vessel? The government may need to consider a new budget for purchasing a replacement," Nordin said after attending an event in Kota Tinggi, Johor.

The process of acquiring the missile system also takes time as the relevant system needs to be hired and may take three to four years. The missile system is provided by a French defense company, which means the issue of compatibility becomes one of the government's main concerns. In June, Nordin said Malaysia was evaluating missile systems from several countries including Italy, Japan, France, Turkey, and South Korea.

Malaysia previously purchased a similar system from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace through a contract in 2018 to equip six LCS vessels. However, Norway later canceled the export permit, stating that its defense technology will be limited to "closest allies and friends." The government now demands compensation of over RM1 billion from Kongsberg for direct and indirect losses, with 95% of the RM634 million earned already paid.

Separately, Nordin said Malaysia needs to strengthen its defense readiness in response to developments around Pulau Balabac in southern Philippines. He said increasing the presence of Filipino and US forces in the area needs attention as the island is near Malaysia. According to him, Malaysia's preparedness is not targeted at the Philippines but to ensure the country can act if any conflict in the region escalates to Malaysia's doorstep.

He also warned that the situation could become more complicated if tensions between the Philippines, the US, and China spark an unexpected flare-up.