Malaysia announces plans to buy Kuwaiti F/A-18s, later denied by Kuwait

 

One of the F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft of the Kuwait Air Force. Photo c/o Flickr. 

The Malaysian Minstry of Defence (MOD) has expressed its desire to increase the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) F/A-18 Hornet fleet by acquiring additional units from other countries.

The Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Dato Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz has confirmed to the country's parliament that the MOD is planning to procure 33 F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter aircraft from Kuwait, as the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) plans to retire its entire fleet soon.

He also said that the Kuwaiti F/A-18s are in very good condition and had low operating hours, even compared to those operated by the RMAF, and adding them will increase the country's level of preparedness and improve the capabilities of the RMAF in safeguarding the country's airspace.

The RMAF currently has 8 F/A-18D Hornet, twin-seat variants acquired in 1997, and plans to continue operating the type until 2035.

Should the plan to procure the Kuwaiti F/A-18s are to proceed, it is expected that upgrades are needed to be undertaken to keep them effective to serve for its planned service duration.

The Deputy Defence Minister did mention that discussions between Malaysia and Kuwait regarding the interest on the fighter aircraft are yet to materialize.

US Government approval being the manufacturing country, is also needed by both the buyer and seller, which still needs to be requested.

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense denied the reports on negotiations with Malaysia on its F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter fleet/

The Kuwait Army General Staff Headquarters issued a statement saying any negotiations to sell ordnance by the Ministry of Defense would be declared directly.

It also said that such deals are condcuted via the Assets Commissions affiliated to the ministry, as well as in coordination with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance after approval of the manufacturing country, and in line with standing procedures.

Malaysia has previously made statements on their interest on the Kuwaiti Hornets, although other countries like Tunisia has also expressed its interest in the fighters.




[1] The Star
[2] Defense News
[3] Kuwait News Agency