On October 8, 2024, Malaysia’s defense Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, announced that Kuwait is open to Malaysia’s request to acquire its 33 F/A-18 C/D Hornet fighter jets. However, the acquisition is contingent upon approval from the United States and depends on Kuwait receiving its new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons. Kuwaiti leadership has expressed a willingness to proceed once these conditions are met, but the decision ultimately depends on external factors.
Khaled, who has been on an official visit to Kuwait since October 6, 2024, aimed at bolstering defense ties, was accompanied by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. During his visit, he met with key Kuwaiti officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Discussions focused on the potential Hornet procurement and broader defense cooperation between Malaysia and Kuwait.
Malaysia first expressed interest in acquiring Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornets in June 2024, following an evaluation by an RMAF technical team. The RMAF’s current Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) fleet includes eight F/A-18D Hornets and 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs. Malaysia previously retired its MiG-29 fleet in 2017, and the MRCA program has evolved from an initial goal of 18 aircraft to as many as 40. Acquiring Kuwait’s Hornets could enhance Malaysia’s capabilities without significantly delaying its fleet modernization.
A joint committee with officials from both countries will be established to expedite the acquisition once conditions are met. Khaled noted that if Malaysia cannot procure these jets from Kuwait, the RMAF could face a three- to four-year delay in securing alternatives. He expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s support in understanding Malaysia’s defense needs, while acknowledging that the specific details of the acquisition are still under discussion.