The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is set to strengthen its capabilities with the planned acquisition of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF), a move Defence Force Chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman calls a “strategic step” in the broader modernization initiative for the RMAF. This decision aligns with the financial and operational demands of Malaysia, considering the affordability of second-hand jets amid budget constraints.
The addition of Kuwaiti Hornets will effectively supplement Malaysia’s existing eight F/A-18D Hornets, offering compatibility with current maintenance infrastructure, trained personnel, and an existing parts inventory. These jets, with an estimated operational life of around 10 more years, offer a stop-gap solution until Malaysia secures a more advanced fleet by 2035, providing time to strategize future procurements.
This acquisition also underscores the importance of inter-Service cooperation within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), as Mohammad emphasized that no service —army, navy, or air force—operates independently. Given Malaysia’s maritime nature, effective territorial defence requires seamless integration across all forces.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, following recent talks in Kuwait, confirmed that the procurement is awaiting U.S. approval and Kuwait’s receipt of newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons. This coordinated approach ensures that, as Malaysia retires older assets, the RMAF will continue to uphold operational readiness while aligning with the national defence strategy.