RMAF chief reviews technical assessment of Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornets, a critical step for Malaysia’s potential acquisition of the fighter jets
KUALA LUMPUR: Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris visited Kuwait’s Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base to review the technical assessment of its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
An eight-officer team of pilots, engineers, and materiel experts is conducting the technical assessment from November 11 to 26.
“The assessment was arranged to ensure the process is comprehensive, detailed and based on professional judgement,” the RMAF stated in a Facebook post.
“This evaluation is critical as it allows the RMAF to fully assess the technical aspects, operational status and readiness of the Kuwait Air Force’s F/A-18C/D aircraft.”
The results will serve as a reference for the air force and Malaysian government to comprehensively evaluate the potential acquisition.
Muhamad Norazlan was welcomed by Kuwait Air Force deputy commander Brigadier General Naser B N Al-Waheeb.
He received a comprehensive briefing on the operational capabilities and maintenance protocols of the aircraft.
The assessment covers several key areas including the proposed delivery schedule, total acquisition cost and long-term maintenance requirements.
Malaysia’s evaluation was initiated following official approval from the United States, the country of manufacture.
It follows discussions held during Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s visit to Kuwait on October 7 last year. – Bernama
