The United States has officially approved Malaysia's acquisition of up to 33 used F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait, marking a significant milestone in the Royal Malaysian Air Force's modernization efforts that began with discussions as early as 2017.
General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, confirmed during the 67th anniversary celebration at Kuantan Air Base that Washington granted the necessary clearance under the Arms Export Control Act, enabling the establishment of a joint committee comprising Malaysia's Ministry of Defence, Kuwait's Ministry of Defence, and the Kuwait Air Force to oversee negotiations.
The transfer package includes approximately 30 operational F/A-18C single-seat and F/A-18D twin-seat variants originally procured by Kuwait between 1992-1993 following the Gulf War, with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled affirming that these aircraft remain structurally sound due to low flight hours and strict maintenance schedules.
According to defence analyst Dr. Collin Koh from Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, this acquisition will significantly improve Malaysia's air domain deterrence capabilities and enhance interoperability for joint missions amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region.
The aircraft transfer awaits Kuwait's completion of receiving its new fleet of 28 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and 28 Eurofighter Typhoons under modernization contracts worth billions, with the deal expected to nearly triple Malaysia's current Hornet squadron strength at a fraction of new aircraft costs.
