“It’s difficult,” Defence Minister says on audit warning on LCS 1 handover delays

Malaysia's first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 1) faces significant delays and operational challenges following an Auditor-General audit warning. The Ministry of Defence has been forced to request up to RM1 billion for alternative missile systems due to Norway's refusal to grant export permits or refund advance payments. Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya warned that even if the LCS 1 is handed over by the target date of 26 August 2026, it will still lack full operational capability due to uncompleted weapon systems and pending supplementary contracts.

Despite diplomatic efforts by the Malaysian Defence Minister, including representations from the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs officials, Norway has shown no willingness to cooperate. Malaysia is now pursuing legal action against Norwegian supplier Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS to seek compensation for the delays. To keep the LCS 1 operational, the Ministry plans to request a new government allocation of between RM700 million and over RM1 billion to procure surface-to-surface missiles from alternative suppliers, a process that will take three to four years.

The Ministry will proceed with equipping the ships independently of the legal proceedings against Norway to ensure national maritime readiness.