Malaysia may fork out up to RM1bil more for new missile system

Malaysia is contemplating allocating between RM700 million and RM1 billion for a new surface-to-surface missile system, following Norway's cancellation of the export licence for the missiles intended for the navy's littoral combat ships. Defence Minister Khaled Nordin explained that the government must consider factors like cost, delivery timelines, and compatibility with the ships' existing combat management system.

The Ministry had placed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in 2018 to equip six LCS with the missiles, but the Norwegian government revoked the export permit due to its defence technology being limited to "allies and closest partners." Malaysia is now exploring missile systems from Italy, Japan, France, Turkey, and South Korea.

The Minister also highlighted the need to strengthen the country's defence preparedness due to the increasing presence of Philippine and US forces near Malaysia's Balabac Island. He emphasized that Malaysia's actions are not targeted at the Philippines but are to ensure readiness against potential conflicts that might spill over into Malaysian territory.

Khaled mentioned that the situation might become more complex if tensions between the Philippines, the US, and China escalated into an unexpected confrontation.