MALAYSIA is considering an allocation of RM700mil to over RM1bil to acquire a new surface-to-surface missile system, replacing a stalled procurement from Norway, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Three countries are currently under evaluation. Khaled emphasised that the government cannot wait to recover tied-up funds from the Norwegian supplier before addressing its naval defence requirements.
Crucial evaluation factors include pricing, a delivery timeline of up to four years, and compatibility with the French combat management system installed on Malaysian vessels.
Efforts to recover the original procurement funds remain ongoing.
“So, how do we replace the missile that was supposed to be placed on the ship? The Government may have to consider a new allocation to buy a new missile to replace the one from Norway,” he said.
Khaled, who is also the Kota Tinggi MP, added that Malaysia was assessing several factors, including the price, delivery period and whether the new missile could be integrated with the combat management system already installed on its ships.
“Missiles are not like buying a car from a showroom. They have to be ordered, and it can take three or four years,” he said.
The Defence Minister added that bolstering national defence capabilities is vital amid the growing US and Philippine military presence around nearby Balabac Island.
While not aimed at confronting neighbours, the defensive preparations seek to protect Malaysian territory against potential spillovers, conflict escalations, or refugee movements. — Oct 3, 2026
Main photo credit: Bernama
