Malaysia Expected to Finalize Acquisition of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D Hornet Fighter Jets This Year
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that the procurement process for the used fighter jets is in its final stages, including documentation involving the aircraft manufacturer, the United States, and the current operator, the Kuwait Air Force.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence is expected to finalize the acquisition of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) this year, according to a report by national news agency Bernama.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that the procurement process for the used fighter jets is in its final stages, including documentation involving the aircraft manufacturer, the United States, and the current operator, the Kuwait Air Force.
“As of now, the acquisition of 30 aircraft is in the final phase of discussions following KAF’s green light, after both parties agreed in principle on our intention to secure the aircraft promptly,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that Malaysia faces time-related challenges, and one of the solutions is to acquire pre-owned assets after evaluation by the RMAF.
“Based on their assessment, there is indeed a need for these aircraft, which still possess considerable capabilities. In the long run, they can contribute significantly to the nation’s defense and sovereignty,” he said.
In October last year, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin visited Kuwait to closely inspect the Gulf nation’s F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets.
Kuwait’s F/A-18C Hornet
He and the Malaysian delegation toured Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, home to Squadron 9, which operates the Kuwait Air Force‘s F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet fleet.
Accompanying Mohamed Khaled during the visit was RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
The Malaysian Defence Minister was briefed on the status, capabilities, and operational readiness of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D fighters by Kuwait Air Force pilots.
He also had the opportunity to personally assess the condition of some of these strategic assets.
In June last year, an RMAF technical team visited Kuwait for negotiations related to the fighter jet procurement.
The RMAF Chief reported that Kuwait’s F/A-18D Hornets are in good condition and have lower operational hours compared to Malaysia‘s current Hornet fleet.
Malaysia Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin visited Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in October last year, where he inspected the squadron responsible for operating the Kuwait Air Force’s (KAF) F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet fighter jets.(Kredit FB Mohamed Khaled)
Mohamed Khaled noted that the Kuwaiti government had previously given positive feedback regarding Malaysia’s interest in acquiring the KAF’s F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornets.
The Defence Minister was also quoted as saying that Malaysia and Kuwait had agreed to establish a joint committee to initiate discussions and negotiations for the acquisition of the Kuwaiti fighter jets.
“Malaysia and Kuwait have agreed to set up a joint committee to begin talks and negotiations for the procurement of the Legacy Hornet fighter jets,” the Defence Minister said.
Malaysia plans to acquire the Kuwait Air Force’s F/A-18C/D Hornets as an interim measure before the RMAF is equipped with new Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA).
Kuwait decided to retire its F/A-18C/D fleet after acquiring F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons. To replace the Legacy Hornets, Kuwait has procured 28 Super Hornets, consisting of 22 single-seat F/A-18E and six two-seat F/A-18F aircraft, which will operate from Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base.
In addition to the Super Hornets, Kuwait has also purchased 28 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, developed by BAE Systems, with an estimated value of US$8.7 billion (RM38.73 billion).
