All Royal Malaysian Air Force assets, including its aircraft, are maintained according to schedule, says RMAF chief Norazlan Aris following last night’s crash of an F/A-18D Hornet in Kuantan, Pahang.
Norazlan said the Hornet had been in service since 1997 and was one of eight such fighter jets in the RMAF fleet, Berita Harian reported.
He said all the fighter jets had undergone major servicing in April as part of their 12-year maintenance cycle.
Norazlan also said the crash had not affected the country’s air defence, pointing out that defence strength was not about the number of aircraft, but the quality and readiness.
“Even if we have 100 aircraft but only two can fly, it means nothing. What matters is that our assets remain of high quality and are always ready,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference at the Kuantan airbase today.
Yesterday, the RMAF said the crash occurred at 9.05pm on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, Pahang, which shares facilities with the airbase.
A video showing what is believed to be a fighter jet catching fire shortly after takeoff has been widely shared on social media.
Both pilots – Major Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, and weapons system officer Captain Izzuddin Salleh, 28 – managed to eject safely. Azhar sustained back injuries and minor burns, while Izzuddin escaped with bruises.
Norazlan also said the incident has not dampened the spirit of the two officers.
“I met both of them, and they only suffered minor injuries and remain in high spirits. Yesterday’s incident also proved the effectiveness of RMAF’s training.
“Both officers knew exactly what action to take during an emergency,” he said.
