Malaysia Expected to Finalize Acquisition of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D Hornet Fighter Jets This Year
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that the procurement process for the used fighter jets is in its final stages, including documentation involving the aircraft manufacturer, the United States, and the current operator, the Kuwait Air Force.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence is expected to finalize the acquisition of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) this year, according to a report by national news agency Bernama.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that the procurement process for the used fighter jets is in its final stages, including documentation involving the aircraft manufacturer, the United States, and the current operator, the Kuwait Air Force.
“As of now, the acquisition of 30 aircraft is in the final phase of discussions following KAF’s green light, after both parties agreed in principle on our intention to secure the aircraft promptly,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that Malaysia faces time-related challenges, and one of the solutions is to acquire pre-owned assets after evaluation by the RMAF.
“Based on their assessment, there is indeed a need for these aircraft, which still possess considerable capabilities. In the long run, they can contribute significantly to the nation’s defense and sovereignty,” he said.
In October last year, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin visited Kuwait to closely inspect the Gulf nation’s F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets.

He and the Malaysian delegation toured Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, home to Squadron 9, which operates the Kuwait Air Force‘s F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet fleet.
Accompanying Mohamed Khaled during the visit was RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
The Malaysian Defence Minister was briefed on the status, capabilities, and operational readiness of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D fighters by Kuwait Air Force pilots.
He also had the opportunity to personally assess the condition of some of these strategic assets.
In June last year, an RMAF technical team visited Kuwait for negotiations related to the fighter jet procurement.
The RMAF Chief reported that Kuwait’s F/A-18D Hornets are in good condition and have lower operational hours compared to Malaysia‘s current Hornet fleet.

