Defense Minister Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced Malaysia's interest in acquiring Kuwait's F/A-18C/D 'legacy' Hornet strike fighters. Discussions have been held with Kuwait, and a technical team assessed the aircraft in June.."We [Malaysia] are in the process and hope the Kuwaiti government will consider our request. We have not submitted it formally, but they [Kuwait] are aware because we have sent our team to evaluate the aircraft. We found that it is suitable for our use. It aligns with our plans to have air force assets capable of supporting operations and addressing the challenges we face within our country today," said Khaled.In June, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) sent a technical team to Kuwait for procurement discussions. The New Straits Times reported that an expert supported the RMAF's plan, citing the urgent need for these fighters to enhance their capabilities, especially in the militarized South China Sea. Malaysia is also awaiting the delivery of 18 FA-50M fighter trainers from South Korea, purchased to replace the aging BAE Hawk fleet and retired MiG-29N Fulcrums.
Defense Minister Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced Malaysia's interest in acquiring Kuwait's F/A-18C/D 'legacy' Hornet strike fighters. Discussions have been held with Kuwait, and a technical team assessed the aircraft in June.."We [Malaysia] are in the process and hope the Kuwaiti government will consider our request. We have not submitted it formally, but they [Kuwait] are aware because we have sent our team to evaluate the aircraft. We found that it is suitable for our use. It aligns with our plans to have air force assets capable of supporting operations and addressing the challenges we face within our country today," said Khaled.In June, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) sent a technical team to Kuwait for procurement discussions. The New Straits Times reported that an expert supported the RMAF's plan, citing the urgent need for these fighters to enhance their capabilities, especially in the militarized South China Sea. Malaysia is also awaiting the delivery of 18 FA-50M fighter trainers from South Korea, purchased to replace the aging BAE Hawk fleet and retired MiG-29N Fulcrums.