US denies role in Norway’s cancelled missile sale to Malaysia

The United States has denied any role in Norway’s decision to cancel a missile sale to Malaysia, saying it had supported the acquisition, after the dispute raised questions over Washington’s influence on weapons deals involving American-made components.The dispute centres on Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) built by Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for a fleet of new Malaysian combat ships, with Kuala Lumpur saying it had already paid 95 per cent of the contract, valued at €126 million (US$146.4 million).Washington’s denial came days after a report claimed the sale may have been blocked because the Norwegian-made missiles contained American-made parts, placing them under US export restrictions.