Kuantan, August 22 - On the evening of August 21, 2025, a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed during takeoff at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang. The accident occurred at approximately 9:05 PM during a night flight training exercise on a runway shared between the civilian airport and the RMAF Kuantan Air Base. The twin-engine, multi-role fighter, which has been in service with the RMAF since 1997, caught fire during its ascent, leading to a catastrophic explosion and subsequent crash. The RMAF quickly confirmed the incident, stating that immediate actions were being taken to address the situation and that a thorough investigation would follow to determine the cause. Authorities emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation until official findings are released, highlighting the need for a methodical examination of the aircraft’s condition and the circumstances of the flight.
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Both the pilot and the weapons systems officer aboard the F/A-18D Hornet safely ejected before the aircraft was engulfed in flames, a testament to the effectiveness of the jet’s zero-zero ejection seat system, which allows for safe ejection even at low altitude and speed. The two personnel were promptly transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan for medical evaluation and treatment. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman confirmed their safety, noting that both individuals were stable and under observation. The rapid response of emergency services, including the Malaysian Armed Forces’ ambulance team, ensured that the crew received immediate care. This incident underscores the inherent risks of military aviation, particularly during high-stakes night operations, but also highlights the robust safety mechanisms in place to protect aircrew in emergencies.
The F/A-18D Hornet is a critical asset in the RMAF’s fleet, with Malaysia operating eight of these versatile aircraft, acquired in 1997 to bolster air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The loss of this jet reduces the operational fleet to six, following a previous crash in October 2024, prompting concerns about the RMAF’s combat readiness. The aircraft, built by McDonnell Douglas, is known for its reliability and has undergone periodic upgrades to its radar, avionics, and electronic warfare systems to maintain operational relevance. Malaysia’s recent approval from the United States to acquire up to 33 second-hand F/A-18C/D Hornets from Kuwait, announced in June 2025, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen its fighter fleet amid delays in the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, now projected for the 15th Malaysia Plan around 2040. The acquisition aims to enhance logistical compatibility and expand the RMAF’s spare parts pool, ensuring sustained operational capacity.
The crash has temporarily disrupted operations at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, with flight activities suspended to facilitate the removal of debris and runway clearing. The RMAF has assured the public that a comprehensive investigation, involving aviation, engineering, and safety experts, is underway to ascertain the cause, which remains unknown but may involve mechanical failure or other operational factors. This incident could influence future maintenance protocols and pilot training programs within the RMAF, as the force seeks to maintain its aging fleet while pursuing modernization. The investigation’s findings will be critical in shaping Malaysia’s defense strategy, particularly as it balances immediate operational needs with long-term plans to integrate advanced platforms like the South Korean KF-21 Boramae or other fifth-generation fighters. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of personnel and restoring normalcy to Kuantan’s air operations.