SUBANG: Uncertainty surrounding the proposed transfer of F/A-18 C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait has prompted the Royal Malaysian Air Force to reassess its long-term fighter acquisition strategy, including the possibility of accelerating its MRCA programme.
RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said Kuwait’s conditions for releasing the aircraft, coupled with the lack of a confirmed delivery schedule for its replacement Super Hornets, pose significant planning challenges.
“Kuwait has made it clear that the Hornets will only be considered for sale after their new aircraft arrive, but there is currently no confirmed timeline for that,” he said.
Compounding the issue are technical restrictions imposed by the aircraft’s manufacturer, requiring modifications before the jets can be operated by the RMAF.
According to Muhamad Norazlan, official correspondence from the US Embassy confirmed that these modifications would take approximately 15 months, delaying operational readiness and increasing costs.
As a result, the RMAF must weigh the risks of waiting against the need to maintain airspace security and operational effectiveness.
The MRCA programme, part of CAP55, is designed to modernise the RMAF by replacing ageing fighter fleets with more capable platforms.
While originally scheduled for later phases, the programme could be accelerated if alternative solutions are deemed more viable.
Meanwhile, the FA-50 programme remains a near-term capability enhancement, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.