Kuala Lumpur, June 17 - The United States has recently approved Malaysia’s bid to acquire a fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait, marking a significant step forward in a deal that has been in negotiation for several years. This approval, granted by the U.S. as the original equipment manufacturer of the Boeing-built aircraft, is a critical prerequisite under U.S. arms transfer protocols, ensuring that sensitive military technology is managed responsibly. The deal involves approximately 30 aircraft, including both single-seat F/A-18C and twin-seat F/A-18D variants, currently operated by the Kuwait Air Force (KAF). This acquisition is poised to bolster the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) as it seeks to modernize its aging fleet and enhance its air defense capabilities.
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Malaysia’s interest in Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornets dates back to at least 2021, driven by the need to supplement its existing fleet of eight F/A-18D Hornets and replace other aging aircraft, such as its Sukhoi Su-30MKMs, which face high maintenance costs. The Kuwaiti Hornets, acquired by Kuwait in the 1990s following the Gulf War, are being phased out as the KAF transitions to newer platforms, including Eurofighter Typhoons and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The availability of these legacy Hornets presented Malaysia with a cost-effective opportunity to expand its air combat capabilities without the prohibitive expense of procuring brand-new aircraft. However, the deal faced delays due to political instability in Kuwait and production setbacks at Boeing, which slowed the delivery of Super Hornets to Kuwait, thereby delaying the retirement of the older C/D models.
Significant progress in the negotiations was made following a visit by Malaysia’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, to Kuwait’s Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in October 2024. During this visit, the minister inspected the condition of the KAF’s F/A-18C/D fleet and held discussions with Kuwaiti officials, who responded positively to Malaysia’s acquisition proposal. Both nations agreed to establish a joint committee to finalize the terms of the transfer, addressing technical and logistical details. By February 2025, Malaysia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Adly Zahari, announced that the deal was in its final stages, pending the completion of documentation between Kuwait and the United States. The U.S. approval, confirmed on June 16, 2025, has now cleared the way for the deal to move forward, with expectations that it will be finalized within the year.
The acquisition of these 30 aircraft is a key component of the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), a long-term strategy to enhance Malaysia’s air defense readiness. The additional Hornets will significantly strengthen the RMAF’s ability to conduct patrol missions and maintain regional security, particularly along the strategic Strait of Malacca. By integrating these aircraft with its existing F/A-18D squadron and Su-30MKMs, Malaysia aims to maintain a robust and versatile air force. The deal also underscores the deepening defense cooperation between Malaysia and Kuwait, while reinforcing the United States’ role as a key partner in facilitating military modernization in the region. As the final documentation is completed, Malaysia is on track to significantly upgrade its air combat capabilities, ensuring greater operational readiness in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.