U.S. Marine Also Interested in Acquiring Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D Jets, Alongside Malaysia?
In 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps Command was reported by the defense portal "Breaking Defense" to be interested in acquiring the F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In addition to Malaysia, the United States has also been reported as interested in acquiring F/A-18C/D fighter jets belonging to the Kuwait Air Force.
In 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps Command was reported by the defense portal “Breaking Defense” to be interested in acquiring the F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait.
According to Kuwait-based defense analyst Ali Al Hashim as quoted by the defence website, the Kuwait Air Force operates 27 single-seat F/A-18C variants and six two-seat F/A-18D variants.
The report also mentioned that, aside from Malaysia, North African nation Tunisia has shown interest in acquiring the used F/A-18C/D fighter jets from Kuwait.
“Kuwait cannot sell their Legacy Hornet fighter jets to other countries without prior approval from the U.S. Navy,” the defense analyst noted.
Kuwait’s F/A-18C Hornet
He also mentioned that negotiations between the U.S. Marine Corps and Kuwait regarding the purchase of these Hornet jets were ongoing.
Earlier, Malaysia’s Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that Kuwait had responded positively to Malaysia’s interest in acquiring the F/A-18C/D jets, and both countries had agreed to establish a special committee to initiate discussions and negotiations.
The minister had visited Kuwait last week on a working trip, during which discussions on acquiring the F/A-18C/D fighter jets were on the agenda.
According to him, the acquisition of 33 F/A-18C/D Hornet jets from the Kuwait Air Force aligns with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) plans.
He added that the acquisition was reasonable, considering the low flight hours recorded by Kuwait’s jets.
One of the 33 F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets of the Kuwaiti Air Force.
“These jets have only logged between 2,000 and 3,000 flight hours, out of a maximum of 6,000 to 7,000 hours,” he said.
In June, a technical team from the RMAF visited Kuwait for discussions related to the acquisition.
The RMAF Chief has since confirmed that the F/A-18D Hornets from Kuwait are in good condition and have lower operational hours compared to Malaysia’s existing fleet of Hornet jets.
Kuwait has decided to retire its F/A-18C/D jets following the acquisition of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
To replace the F/A-18C/D jets, Kuwait has procured 28 Super Hornet aircraft, comprising 22 single-seat F/A-18E jets and six two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets, which will be based at Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base.
In addition to the Super Hornets, Kuwait has also purchased 28 Eurofighter Typhoons, developed by BAE Systems, valued at approximately US$8.7 billion (RM38.73 billion). — DSA