KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait has confirmed it has no objections to Malaysia’s request to procure F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, as stated by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The procurement is contingent upon two key conditions: approval from the United States, the supplier nation, and the completion of Kuwait’s own fighter jet acquisitions, including the F/A-18E, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Khaled’s visit to Kuwait, which commenced on Sunday, aims to bolster bilateral relations and enhance defence cooperation. He was accompanied by Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.

During his visit, Khaled engaged with Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who also serves as the defence and interior minister, as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Discussions about the potential procurement of Hornet jets began in June, following a technical team from RMAF’s visit to Kuwait.

Currently, Malaysia operates eight F/A-18D Hornets and 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs in its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) fleet, a reduction following the retirement of 16 Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29N Fulcrums seven years ago.

The RMAF’s MRCA acquisition program began in 2011, with initial plans for an entry of service between 2015 and 2016. While the RMAF initially aimed to procure 18 aircraft, this figure later expanded to between 24 and 40 new aircraft in 2014.

Khaled announced that a joint committee of Malaysian and Kuwaiti officials will be formed to streamline the procurement process following his discussions with Kuwaiti leaders.

“This will ensure the procurement can proceed swiftly once the conditions are met. Delays in this procurement could push us to search for alternative jets, which may take over three to four years for delivery,” he noted.

Khaled expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for recognizing Malaysia’s need for these aircraft and emphasized the significance of the discussions regarding defense and security cooperation.

The meetings also included plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense, which Khaled believes will greatly benefit both nations. He remarked on the importance of understanding regional issues, especially given the South China Sea’s significance to Kuwait and Malaysia’s interest in Middle Eastern affairs.

“The MoU will enhance our insights into regional challenges and foster collaboration in areas such as research and development,” he added, highlighting opportunities for partnerships in artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability within the defense sector.

Khaled also noted Kuwait’s willingness to invest across various sectors, including real estate, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, and welcomed Malaysian investments in Kuwait.

“I see immense potential in the relationship between Malaysia and Kuwait, and I believe this visit will serve as a catalyst for stronger bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and shared values,” he concluded.