Proposal to Acquire Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D Jets Aligns with RMAF Plans – Khaled Nordin

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The proposal to acquire 38 F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) aligns with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) plans, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He stated that the acquisition is justified, as the KAF jets have low flight hours.

“This acquisition is appropriate. These jets have recorded only 2,000 to 3,000 flight hours out of a maximum of 6,000 to 7,000 hours,” he said during a press conference after the launch of the Parajurit Broadband initiative and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Also present were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman.

Mohamed Khaled noted that the procurement process for new fighter jets can take up to 10 years, from planning to asset delivery, involving discussions on specifications, equipment, and costs.

He explained that the plan to acquire KAF’s ‘Legacy Hornet’ F/A-18C/D jets began in 2018 when Kuwait ordered new fighter jets for its own air force. KAF has ordered the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon to replace its F/A-18C/D fleet.

“We must understand that these jets come with various equipment, sourced from different companies. We need to ensure that the systems are suitable for our country, affordable, and up to date.”

Should the proposed acquisition be approved, these jets would serve as a stopgap measure when the Hawk 208/108 light fighter jets, currently based in Labuan, are decommissioned in 2027.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled mentioned that Kuwait had responded positively to the potential sale of the F/A-18C/D jets, and both countries agreed to establish a special committee to begin discussions and negotiations.

In June, a technical team from the RMAF visited Kuwait for talks on the acquisition. The RMAF Commander stated that the KAF’s F/A-18D Hornets are still in good condition and have significantly lower operational hours compared to the RMAF’s current Hornet fleet.

Kuwait decided to retire its F/A-18C/D jets after acquiring F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons.

To replace the F/A-18C/D, Kuwait has purchased 28 Super Hornets, including 22 single-seat F/A-18Es and six F/A-18F two-seat variants, which will operate from Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base. In addition to the Super Hornets, Kuwait has also acquired 28 Eurofighter Typhoons developed by BAE Systems, estimated to be worth US$8.7 billion (RM38.73 billion). — DSA