Kuantan, 22 August 2025 – The recent incident involving a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet that caught fire during take-off at Kuantan Air Base has reignited public debate about Malaysia’s fighter jet fleet. Although both aircrew ejected safely, the crash has sharpened focus on why Malaysia still operates only eight Hornets, despite the aircraft being the backbone of RMAF combat capability since the late 1990s.
A Historic Purchase, But Limited Numbers
Malaysia acquired its fleet of F/A-18D Hornets in 1993 under then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, signing a contract with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for eight brand-new aircraft.
Contrary to popular misconception, these Hornets were not second-hand. They were built fresh in St. Louis, Missouri, with production beginning in 1995. By August 1997, the first jets were flown across the Pacific by RMAF pilots themselves — from the US mainland to Hawaii, Guam, and finally to Butterworth Air Base.
However, the small fleet size stemmed from geopolitical friction. The United States refused to supply Malaysia with its most advanced air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, instead offering older variants. Feeling short-changed, Malaysia diversified and purchased MiG-29 Fulcrums from Russia, which came with a full weapons package.
Super Hornet Offers Rejected
In 2002, Boeing proposed upgrading Malaysia’s Hornets to the newer F/A-18F Super Hornet, even offering to buy back the older models. Yet, mistrust from the earlier restrictions lingered, and Malaysia instead shifted focus to the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, a long-range, multi-role fighter from Russia.
As a result, the fleet size remained capped at eight.
Modernisation Efforts Keep Hornets Relevant
Despite their age, Malaysia’s Hornets have undergone extensive upgrades. Their radars have been modernised, pilots are equipped with Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), and targeting capabilities enhanced with ATFLIR pods.
Today, experts argue the upgraded F/A-18Ds are nearly on par with early-generation Super Hornets — proof of RMAF’s ingenuity and the skill of its engineers and technicians.
Risks of Ageing Jets
Even with modifications, age is catching up. The fleet has suffered incidents ranging from landing gear failures to engine shutdowns. The latest crash underscores the risks of operating airframes approaching three decades of service.
Kuwait’s Retired Hornets: A Game-Changer?
To address numbers, Malaysia is now negotiating with Kuwait to acquire between 18 and 24 used F/A-18C/D Hornets. These aircraft, recently retired after Kuwait’s transition to Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons, have relatively low flight hours (1,500–3,000) compared to Malaysia’s heavily flown fleet.
The United States has already approved the potential transfer. RMAF technical teams will conduct a detailed inspection in Kuwait this September, reviewing maintenance records and structural condition. If acquired, these jets could be upgraded alongside Malaysia’s existing Hornets, creating a unified fleet standardised to 29C configuration by 2026.
Regional Balance of Power
If the deal succeeds, Malaysia’s active Hornet fleet could expand from eight to over 30, significantly boosting regional airpower. This would enhance Malaysia’s presence in the South China Sea, strengthen commitments under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), and provide a credible deterrent without the massive costs of buying fifth-generation stealth fighters.
A Fleet That Symbolises Resilience
From their dramatic delivery flights in 1997 to today’s ongoing modernisation, Malaysia’s Hornets remain a symbol of resilience. They are more than just machines — they represent the skill of RMAF aviators, the dedication of its ground crews, and the strategic balancing act of a nation navigating between great powers.