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| A model of the KF-21 fighter jet exhibited at the Korea Aerospace Industries Booth during Malaysia's LIMA25 |
Kuala Lumpur, January 17 - The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) faces mounting pressure to modernize its fighter fleet as persistent delays in acquiring additional F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Kuwait threaten operational readiness. The RMAF currently operates a limited number of aging F/A-18D Hornets, originally delivered in 1997, alongside 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters. These platforms, while still capable, are approaching retirement timelines, Hornets by around 2035 and Su-30s by 2040, creating a potential capability gap amid rising regional security demands. Efforts to procure surplus F/A-18C/D models from Kuwait, intended as an interim bridge solution, have encountered repeated setbacks due to uncertainties in Kuwait's transition to newer F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, pushing possible deliveries well into the late 2020s or beyond. This uncertainty has prompted Malaysian defense planners to accelerate long-term alternatives under the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, which envisions acquiring up to 36 advanced fighters in two squadrons to restore numerical strength and technological edge.
In response, Malaysia has initiated exploratory discussions with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) regarding the KF-21 Boramae, South Korea's indigenous 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet. The KF-21, also known as Boramae, represents a significant leap forward with advanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and multirole capabilities optimized for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. South Korea plans to begin delivering the first production aircraft to its own air force in 2026, positioning the platform as a timely and proven option for export customers. The fighter's design emphasizes affordability compared to fifth-generation alternatives, while offering substantial performance advantages over legacy jets, including enhanced combat radius, sensor fusion, and future upgrade potential toward stealth features in later blocks.
The interest in the KF-21 fighter jet aligns strategically with Malaysia's existing defense ties to South Korea. The recent procurement of 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft, with initial deliveries accelerated to begin arriving by the end of 2026, provides valuable operational experience with KAI platforms and establishes logistics familiarity. This relationship could facilitate smoother integration, technology transfer, and cost-effective financing for the KF-21, making it a pragmatic choice amid budget considerations and the need for rapid capability enhancement. The MRCA program, originally paused due to fiscal constraints, now gains renewed urgency as interim solutions falter, with the KF-21 emerging as a strong contender alongside other Western and Eastern options.
As regional airpower dynamics evolve, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's potential shift toward the KF-21 Boramae underscores a balanced approach to modernization, combining proven reliability, industrial cooperation, and forward-looking performance. While no formal commitment has been made, these early engagements highlight Malaysia's determination to avoid future capability shortfalls and secure a robust, multirole fighter fleet capable of meeting 21st-century defense requirements.
