Acquisition of Kuwait’s Used F/A-18C/D a “Stop-Gap Measure” – Malaysian Armed Forces Chief

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The acquisition of Kuwait Air Force (KAF) F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) is intended as a stop-gap measure until Malaysia secures new multi-role combat aircraft.

In an interview with a local English-language newspaper The New Straits Times,  the Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, stated that the military plans to procure new fighter jets in the future.

“These Kuwait Hornet fighters have a lifespan of 10 years, giving us sufficient time to acquire better fighter aircraft,” he explained.

“That’s why we opted for the Hornets from Kuwait.”

He further emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Malaysia’s financial realities and operational needs.

“The procurement of these F/A-18C/D Hornets supports the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) modernization plan. Some of our existing aircraft will soon be retired,” he said.

“Given our financial capacity, we have explored the option of acquiring used fighter jets from Kuwait,” Mohammad added.

He also noted that the technical specifications of the Kuwaiti Hornets are identical to the eight F/A-18D jets currently operated by the RMAF.

“We already have experience in operating and maintaining these aircraft. The necessary infrastructure and skilled personnel are in place,” he said.

“Our existing inventory of spare parts also ensures a cost-effective and efficient process. From both maintenance and operational perspectives, this is a more economical solution.”

Earlier this month, Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, personally inspected the condition of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D fighters during an official visit to the Gulf state.

The minister, along with a Malaysian delegation, toured the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, which houses Squadron 9 – the unit responsible for operating the KAF’s Legacy Hornet fighters. Accompanying him on the visit was General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Mohamed Khaled stated that Kuwait had responded positively to Malaysia’s interest in acquiring the Legacy Hornet fighters.

Both governments have agreed to establish a joint committee to initiate negotiations regarding the aircraft’s acquisition.

“Malaysia and Kuwait have agreed to form a joint committee to commence discussions and negotiations on the procurement of these Legacy Hornets,” the Defence Minister confirmed.

The Kuwait Air Force decided to retire its F/A-18C/D fleet following the acquisition of newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons.

Kuwait has procured 28 Super Hornets, comprising 22 single-seat F/A-18E jets and six two-seat F/A-18F jets, all set to be based at Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base.

In addition to the Super Hornets, Kuwait has purchased 28 Eurofighter Typhoons from BAE Systems, a deal reportedly valued at USD 8.7 billion (RM 38.73 billion).

Last June, an RMAF technical team conducted a visit to Kuwait to initiate discussions regarding the potential acquisition.

The RMAF Chief reported that the Kuwaiti F/A-18C/D Hornets remain in good condition, with lower flight hours than the RMAF’s existing Hornet fleet. – DSA