Malaysia is moving ahead with its plans to modernize its air force capabilities through the potential acquisition of F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force. This move follows the establishment of a joint committee between the two nations to begin discussions on the procurement, a key point confirmed by Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, in a recent social media update.
In a post shared on Facebook, Mohamed Khaled stated, “I also expressed Malaysia’s interest in acquiring the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force, and received a positive response from them.” He further elaborated that both Malaysia and Kuwait have agreed to set up a dedicated committee that will oversee negotiations on the acquisition of these aircraft.
Mohamed Khaled’s official working visit to Kuwait began with a significant meeting with Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The meeting, held at the Kuwait Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed the commitment between both nations to strengthen their long-standing defence partnership.
A key outcome of this meeting is the agreement to formalize defence cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU, currently in its final stages, will enhance joint efforts in areas such as military training, personnel exchanges, information sharing, and research and development in defence technology.
“The existing relationship between both nations will continue to be enhanced, covering military training and personnel exchanges, information sharing, as well as research and development in defence technology,” Mohamed Khaled stated.
The potential acquisition of the F/A-18C/D fighter jets from Kuwait is seen as a vital step in Malaysia’s efforts to maintain and enhance its aerial combat capabilities. Malaysia has been in search of a “stop-gap measure” to strengthen the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) while awaiting the procurement of new Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). The Kuwait Air Force’s retired fleet of F/A-18C/Ds has been identified as an attractive option due to the relatively low operational hours and good condition of the jets.
The acquisition process took a major step forward earlier in the year when an RMAF technical team visited Kuwait in June to assess the condition of the fighter jets and hold initial discussions. RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan remarked that the Kuwait Air Force’s Hornets were in excellent condition, with significantly lower operational hours compared to Malaysia’s current fleet.
The RMAF currently operates eight F/A-18D Hornets, and the addition of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D jets would significantly bolster Malaysia’s operational readiness. The F/A-18C/D Hornets, first introduced in the 1980s, are versatile, multi-role fighter jets known for their agility and adaptability in a range of combat missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
Malaysia’s Defence Minister is expected to continue discussions during his visit to Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, where the F/A-18C/D jets are currently stationed. This visit is seen as crucial in Malaysia’s decision-making process as the country considers the financial, operational, and logistical aspects of the acquisition.
The Kuwait Air Force’s decision to retire its F/A-18C/D fleet is part of a broader strategy to modernize its air force capabilities. In recent years, Kuwait has significantly upgraded its military assets, acquiring 28 Super Hornets and 28 Eurofighter Typhoons. The replacement of Kuwait’s F/A-18C/D jets with 28 Super Hornets, consisting of 22 single-seat F/A-18E and six dual-seat F/A-18F variants, will provide the country with superior air combat capabilities.
