KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force is examining all aspects before making any decision on whether to procure F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait.
RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhammad Norazlan Aris dismissed reports claiming that the deal had been scrapped, saying that all considerations were still being evaluated.
“We are looking into all aspects before making any decision. Delivery date, cost, maintenance, logistics — all of these have to be considered,” he told the New Straits Times.
Norazlan said an RMAF team is scheduled to visit Kuwait in September as part of the assessment process.
Yesterday, reports surfaced quoting unnamed sources alleging that the deal was scrapped due to uncertainty over delivery timelines and costly upgrades.
Previously, it was reported that the United States had approved Malaysia’s proposed acquisition of the Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Then RMAF chief General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan confirmed that Washington had granted the necessary clearance for the deal.
All procurements of US-made military equipment and munitions must be authorised by that country’s president, who must also inform the Congress. Congress has the power to halt any such sale.
The long-anticipated deal involves around 30 Hornets, a mix of single-seat F/A-18Cs and twin-seat F/A-18Ds, currently in service with the Kuwaiti Air Force.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had previously said the aircraft, originally acquired by Kuwait in the 1990s, are generally in good condition.
During his visit to Kuwait last October, Khaled said the Gulf nation expressed no objections to Malaysia’s request to procure its Hornet jets.
The aircraft, despite being 30 years old, have relatively low flight hours of between 1,500 and 3,000.
Malaysia currently operates the F/A-18D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker in its combat aircraft arsenal, and can call upon its fleet of Hawk 108/208s, used primarily as advanced jet trainers, as interceptors if needed.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
