Malaysia to double its warplane fleet with purchase of F/A-18 Hornet from Kuwait

The Malaysian Air Force expects to significantly strengthen its fleet by purchasing 30 F/A-18C/D fighters from Kuwait, which is gradually replacing them with the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Here's What We Know

According to Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Adli Zahari, the deal should be finalised this year, and Kuwait has given its consent. However, the final decision depends on the US approval, as it involves the re-export of US equipment.

Negotiations on the purchase of Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornets began in 2024. A Malaysian delegation visited Kuwait last October to inspect the aircraft. Malaysia has already been operating 8 of these fighters since 1997, and their maintenance is carried out in the country.

The purchase of 30 fighters will be a significant reinforcement for the country's air force, which currently has 18 Su-30MKM, 4 Hawk Mk108 and 12 Hawk Mk208. This will effectively double the number of multi-role fighters in service.

Some sources also mention 8 MiG-29s, but there is evidence that they were decommissioned in 2017 due to the complexity of maintenance and sanctions restrictions.

Malaysia also independently maintains its Su-30MKM, purchased in 2003 for $900 million. It is possible that India was involved in the repair work, as it is actively pushing Russia out of the Su-30 modernisation programme.

Source: AstroAwani