The United States has indicated its willingness to consider selling missiles to Malaysia, offering a potential solution after Norway reportedly revoked an export licence for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) intended for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matter was raised during a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Malaysia sought Washington’s assistance after Norway reportedly cancelled the export licence for the anti-ship missile system, which was originally procured to arm the Royal Malaysian Navy’s six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
“The US has assured us it will consider the matter,”he said.
The minister said Malaysia also discussed maritime domain awareness cooperation with the US, including information-sharing initiatives.
Separately, Mohamed Khaled met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to discuss expanding defence cooperation, including intelligence sharing and preparations for upcoming Malaysia-Australia and Five Power Defence Arrangements meetings.
He added that Malaysia is also exploring a formal defence cooperation framework with Canada to strengthen bilateral ties.
