Khaled said the meeting would be used to convey Putrajaya’s regret and surprise over the decision, which came just a few days before the scheduled delivery date in March.

“It is very unfortunate that we have signed a contract to purchase the missiles from Norway since 2018. The missiles were supposed to be delivered in March to equip our littoral combat ships (LCS) as well as KD Lekiu and KD Jebat.

“But a few days before the delivery date, without indications, the Norwegian government announced that it would not grant a licence to market the product after eight years of our purchase. Of course it surprised us, and of course it affects us,” he told reporters after officiating a Malaysian Armed Forces programme here today.

Khaled said Malaysia was using diplomatic channels at various levels, including engagements between the prime ministers and foreign ministers of both countries, to resolve the crisis.

He also said the action did not reflect good diplomatic relations between Norway and Malaysia.

The Norwegian foreign affairs ministry has reportedly withdrawn several export licences related to certain technologies, as part of efforts to tighten the country’s export controls.

According to the Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KDA) website, the NSM procurement, valued at 124 million euros (RM571.9 million), was signed between the navy and KDA in April 2018 to equip six new LCS.

The missile is capable of carrying out long-range maritime strikes at high subsonic speeds with a range exceeding 300km.