RMAF may expedite its MRCA fighter jet programme due to delays and conditions tied to acquiring Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornets, says air force chief
SUBANG: The Royal Malaysian Air Force may accelerate its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft acquisition programme due to uncertainties over procuring F/A-18 C/D Hornets from Kuwait.
RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said timeline and technical conditions set by Kuwait are key factors in deciding whether to proceed with the plan.
“Kuwait’s position is that only after 12 to 18 months of receiving their Super Hornet aircraft will they consider selling the F/A-18 C/D Hornets to interested countries,” he told reporters after an awards ceremony at Subang Air Base.
He added that Kuwait itself does not know when its new Super Hornets will be delivered.
Muhamad Norazlan also cited technical constraints and conditions imposed by the United States, the aircraft’s manufacturer.
“We have also received an official letter from the US Embassy stating that even if we receive the Kuwaiti aircraft, we are not permitted to operate them immediately,” he said.
He explained that required equipment modifications would take an additional 15 months after delivery.
The RMAF must therefore make a prudent decision to avoid future operational and financial burdens.
The MRCA programme is part of the long-term Capability Development Plan 2055 to modernise the air force between 2035 and 2040.
It aims to operate two MRCA squadrons to replace existing Sukhoi Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet fleets.
If the Kuwaiti Hornet acquisition fails, the RMAF will consider accelerating the MRCA procurement originally planned for later phases.
The air force will also focus on acquiring FA-50 light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries.
Muhamad Norazlan said KAI has committed to delivering six FA-50 aircraft by the end of 2026.
The remaining units are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027. – Bernama
