KUALA LUMPUR – Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said that Kuwait has provided positive feedback on Malaysia’s interest in purchasing their F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets, adding that special task force has been formed to facilitate discussions and negotiations on the matter.
He revealed this after a courtesy visit to Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, in Kuwait City on Monday, Bernama reported.
Khaled explained that Kuwait has responded positively to Malaysia’s request for the procurement of these fighter jets for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). He confirmed that both countries have agreed to establish a committee to explore whether the necessary conditions are met for the acquisition to proceed.
“Kuwait has assured us that they have no objections to Malaysia’s request, though it remains subject to two conditions: approval from the original supplier country and the delivery of new air assets to Kuwait,” Khaled explained.
He emphasised the importance of acquiring the Legacy Hornets, noting that a delegation sent to Kuwait had already inspected the jets and concluded that they were highly suitable for the ATM’s needs.
“If we fail to secure these jets, we will be forced to begin the lengthy process of sourcing new aircraft, which could take three to four years,” he warned.
Khaled noted that both nations are poised to sign a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence, which he described as highly beneficial to both countries.
“Kuwait views the South China Sea as a significant area, and Malaysia similarly sees the Middle East as vital. Events in that region could have a global impact, making it essential for Malaysia to understand the dynamics of the Middle East,” he said in a statement today.
The minister explained that the MoU would allow Malaysia to gain insights from Kuwait, which he described as one of the more stable and peaceful countries in the Middle East. This, he said, would help Malaysia better understand the region’s political landscape and defence stability.
Mohamed Khaled’s official visit to Kuwait, which began on Sunday, is part of an effort to strengthen bilateral relations and defence cooperation between the two countries.
The defence cooperation will serve as a foundation for closer ties, including collaboration in research and development, military officer training exchanges, and the sharing of technology and innovation, he added.
In August, a former US naval aviator said that the ageing Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornets could serve as a suitable bargain for Malaysia’s defence, despite likely having only ten years of use left.
Trevor “Gonky” Hartsock, a former Hornet pilot, told Scoop that the aircraft, designed for deployment from ships, is built to endure harsh conditions.
While Malaysia lacks aircraft carriers, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) would benefit from the jets’ robust airframe and multirole capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Currently, Malaysia has eight F/A-18D Hornets in service since 1997, while the jets from Kuwait have been operational since 1991. Hartsock, who has experience with the Kuwaiti Air Force and certified their training simulators, assured that Kuwait’s Hornets are well maintained, alleviating concerns over their age.
When asked whether the RMAF should consider fifth-generation stealth fighters, Hartsock expressed that it might not be the best fit for Malaysia’s defence philosophy, which is cautious about power projection. He cautioned that stealth fighters could incur additional costs and suggested that Malaysia’s humid climate and existing infrastructure may not be suitable for such aircraft.
Fifth-generation fighter jets are capable of supersonic flight while maintaining stealth through their design and radar-absorbing paint. In Asia, countries like Singapore and China have upgraded their military assets to include these advanced jets, such as the US-made F-35 Lightning II and the locally developed J-20 Mighty Dragon.
If Malaysia opts to modernise its fleet, Hartsock believes 4.5-generation jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet or the F-15 Strike Eagle, also used by Singapore, would be appropriate.
While the costs of the potential Kuwaiti jet procurement remain undisclosed, the estimated price of an F/A-18 Hornet is around US$66 million (RM295 million) per unit, with used aircraft expected to be significantly cheaper.
Last year, Malaysia signed a nearly RM4 billion contract with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) for 18 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft, with half of the payment made through counter trade involving crude palm oil products.
RMAF’s current Hornet squadron comprises only eight aircraft, and the military is looking at similar jets being retired by the Kuwaiti Air Force. In June, reports indicated that RMAF planned a technical visit to Kuwait to discuss acquiring the Hornet jets, known for their good condition and low operating hours compared to existing Malaysian Armed Forces aircraft.
In July, Khaled discussed the acquisition with the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Malaysia, Rashed Mohammed Rashed Al-Saleh, during a courtesy call. The Kuwaiti jets, purchased in 1991, are being retired in favour of the more modern F/A-18 Super Hornets, a larger version of the legacy Hornets. – October 8, 2024