The US Holds the “Key” to Malaysia’s Bid for Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D Fighter Jets
In fact, when it comes to the potential acquisition of Kuwait Air Force (KAF)’s F/A-18C/D jets, the key decision-maker is not Kuwait but Washington, as the producer of the aircraft.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – While Kuwait has responded positively to Malaysia’s efforts to acquire its F/A-18C/D fighter jets, the country still needs approval from the aircraft’s manufacturer, the United States.
Without the necessary approval from Washington, Kuwait cannot sell its F/A-18C/D fighter jets to Malaysia.
In fact, when it comes to the potential acquisition of Kuwait Air Force (KAF)’s F/A-18C/D jets, the key decision-maker is not Kuwait but Washington, as the producer of the aircraft.
As the manufacturer, the United States ultimately determines whether Malaysia’s bid to acquire the Middle Eastern nation’s F/A-18C/D fighters will succeed.
Following Kuwait’s positive response, Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, will now need to visit Washington for a working trip to secure the approval from the U.S.
Kuwaiti’s Air Force F/A-18 Hornet
Defence Security Asia has learned that the Defence Minister is planning to head to Washington in the near future.
If successful, the acquisition of Kuwait’s Hornet fighter jets will bolster the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)’s current fleet of eight Hornet fighters, which were acquired in 1997.
The F/A-18 Hornet is developed by Boeing, formerly McDonnell Douglas.
In addition to obtaining approval from the United States, Malaysia must also wait for Kuwait to receive its ordered F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets before the Middle Eastern country can “release” its F/A-18C/D jets to Malaysia.
In 2018, Kuwait ordered 28 Super Hornets, consisting of 22 single-seat F/A-18E and six dual-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets, which will operate from Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base.
Kuwait’s F/A-18C Hornet
Besides the Super Hornets, Kuwait has also purchased 28 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft developed by BAE Systems, in a deal valued at an estimated $8.7 billion.
Kuwait is expected to receive all its Super Hornets between 2025 and 2027.
Kuwait originally acquired 33 F/A-18C/D fighters after the Gulf War.
In 2021, the then Deputy Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, stated that the Ministry of Defence planned to negotiate with Kuwait to acquire all 33 Hornet jets in a “lock, stock, and barrel” deal.
In 2022, the U.S. defence portal “Breaking Defense” reported that the Kuwaiti government was negotiating with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) regarding the sale of KAF’s F/A-18C/D Hornets.
Kuwait’s Super Hornet fighter aircraft
“There are reports that the USMC is interested in acquiring Kuwait’s Hornet jets, and negotiations are ongoing,” said Kuwait-based defence analyst Ali Al-Hashim to the portal.
If the United States decides to purchase the jets from Kuwait, it could dash Malaysia’s hopes of acquiring all 33 F/A-18C/D fighters. – DSA