JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is considering its options following the long-delayed acquisition of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the delivery has been delayed as Kuwait is also waiting for fighter jets it ordered from the United States.
“I was informed that there will be further delays for the jets from the United States, and Kuwait can only hand over the F/A-18s to us after receiving their new jets.
They cannot give the F/A-18s to us until they receive the replacements, as they must also ensure their own country’s security and protect its airspace.
We cannot keep waiting without knowing when the jets will arrive, so we need to look at other available options,” he said at a press conference after attending the BHPetrol zakat distribution ceremony in Pasir Gudang.
Khaled said the ministry would also weigh the cost-benefit and delivery duration of other possible options.
“If the delivery timeline for these options is around 2028 or 2029, then it may not be worth it as the cost-benefit would be lost by then.
Fortunately, we will be getting our 18 FA-50M Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2027, which could replace our Hawk fighter jets once their operation ends.
However, they will not be enough, and we still need to acquire Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA),” he said.
