Malaysia will take delivery of Norway’s domestically produced Naval Strike Missile in March as it phases out the Royal Malaysian Navy’s aging Exocet MM40 Block 2 stock, which has been in service for nearly three decades.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the acquisition represents one of two new surface-to-surface missile systems planned under the navy’s modernization roadmap. Developed by Kongsberg, the missile will be fielded in parallel with the ATMACA anti-ship system, which remains under procurement and is scheduled to arrive in 2028, New Strait Times reported.
Authorities are currently assessing both missile types to confirm their long-range performance, reduced radar signature, and ability to integrate seamlessly with networked combat systems.
The procurement supports Malaysia’s long-term force transformation plan introduced in 2015, which seeks to reorganize the fleet into five core vessel categories by mid-century. Central to the initiative is the construction of five advanced surface combatants designed to address evolving threats in coastal waters. The lead ship is expected to enter service in December 2026, with the second to follow in August 2027.
Naval Strike Missile
Weighing 400 kilograms and measuring 4 meters in length with a 700-millimeter diameter, the Naval Strike Missile is propelled by a solid booster and a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet engine. Its warhead combines penetrating blast and controlled fragmentation effects.
Capable of exceeding 110 nautical miles in range, the missile travels at speeds above 1,100 kilometers per hour.
