Malaysia Awaits Kuwait’s Decision on Acquisition of F/A-18C/D Hornet Fighter Aircraft

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Malaysia is still awaiting a decision from the Kuwaiti government regarding its interest in acquiring F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Middle Eastern country’s air force.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that although these aircraft are aged, the F/A-18C/D jets owned by the Kuwaiti Air Force are still technically suitable for use by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

“Technically, these aircraft (the Kuwaiti F/A-18C/Ds) are very suitable for the Malaysian Armed Forces, but the decision will take time as it is not an easy process … we are still waiting (for the decision) and have established closer communication with Kuwait,” he said.

The effort to acquire the F/A-18C/D jets from the Kuwaiti Air Force is not without its challenges, he noted.

Mohamed Khaled made these remarks to reporters during the 2024 Firepower Training Exercise at the Gemas Firing Range, Syed Sirajuddin Camp, Gemas, today.

 

In June, a technical team from the RMAF visited Kuwait to conduct negotiations regarding the acquisition of the fighter jets.

 RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan was reported as saying that the F/A-18D (Hornet) jets owned by the Kuwaiti Air Force are still in good condition and have lower operational hours compared to the existing Hornets in the RMAF fleet.

The Kuwaiti Air Force has 39 F/A-18C/D Hornet jets, comprising both single-seat and two-seat fighter jets.

Recently, the Defense Minister received a courtesy visit from the Kuwaiti ambassador to Malaysia, Rashed Mohammed Rashed ALSALEH.

Among the topics discussed was the RMAF’s interest in acquiring the F/A-18 Hornet jets from the Kuwaiti Air Force.

The RMAF Chief was also present during the meeting.

 

According to a statement by the Defense Minister on his Facebook account, Malaysia is pleased with the positive progress in bilateral and defense relations between Malaysia and Kuwait.

The defense cooperation between the two countries will be further strength

ened through a Memorandum of Understanding that is expected to be signed in the near future.

“Among the matters discussed were the nation’s interest in acquiring the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet jets from the Kuwaiti Air Force (KAF) following KAF’s reception of its new Super Hornets.”

“The meeting also covered ‘Military-to-Military Cooperation,’ defense industry collaboration, and the conflict in Gaza,” he said in his latest Facebook post.

Malaysia plans to acquire the Kuwaiti Air Force’s F/A-18C/D Hornet jets as a “stop-gap measure” before the RMAF is equipped with new Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA).

The Kuwaiti Air Force decided to retire its F/A-18C/D jets after receiving its new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons.

To replace the F/A-18C/D jets, Kuwait has acquired 28 Super Hornets, comprising 22 single-seat F/A-18E and six two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets, which will operate from Ahmed al-Jaber Air Base.

In addition to the Super Hornet jets, Kuwait has also purchased 28 Eurofighter Typhoon jets developed by BAE Systems, with an estimated value of USD 8.7 billion. — DSA