Malaysia shortlists four countries for new LCS anti-ship missile system, says defence minister

KLUANG, June 28 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has shortlisted four countries as possible suppliers of an anti-ship missile system for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project after Norway cancelled the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) procurement.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the selection process will focus on key criteria to ensure the chosen system meets the operational needs of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) beyond basic specifications.

He said the countries being considered are Türkiye, South Korea and two European countries.

“We must evaluate whether the replacement missile can be integrated with the LCS’s French-built Combat Management System (CMS). It must be fully interoperable with the existing system,” he told reporters at the Southern Zone Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Karnival Hari Keluarga Kita at X Park Impiana 2 Square, Bandar Seri Impian, here today.

He was commenting on the latest developments following the Norwegian government’s revocation of the export licence for the NSM to Malaysia.

Mohamed Khaled said the government is reviewing the delivery timeline to avoid delays that could affect the country’s maritime defence capabilities.

“We want to know who can supply the missiles earliest. Some are still developing their systems, but if the delivery timeline takes up to eight years, that is not a viable option for us,” he said.

He added that pricing is also a key factor to ensure the government obtains a high-technology system at a reasonable cost.

He said the selected missile must have capabilities similar to the NSM, such as stealth, sea-skimming to evade enemy air defence, and high-precision targeting.

The Norwegian government had cancelled the NSM export licence to Malaysia on the grounds of protecting its national security interests.

Following the cancellation, Mindef has issued an RM1 billion claim against the relevant defence firm over the aborted NSM procurement.

The LCS project is a key strategic asset for the RMN and strengthens the country’s maritime defence. — Bernama