Malaysia has been in search of a replacement for the twelve MiG-29 “Fulcrum” aircraft in its air force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia – TUDM) for years. The operational maintenance of these aircraft was difficult to ensure.
The acquisition of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Eurofighter EF-2000/Typhoon, or Rafale was temporarily considered. Nevertheless, none of these aircraft were chosen as a result of financial constraints, and the MiG-29s were quietly retired from service.
Furthermore, in 2018, it was reported that the TUDM was experiencing availability issues with its Su-30 MKM air superiority fighters. At the time, only four of the eighteen aircraft that Russia had delivered were operational. Once more, there were challenges in obtaining spare parts.
Nevertheless, Malaysia is compelled to prioritize its combat aviation in light of China’s aspirations for the “James Shoal” and “Luconia Shoal” reefs. In February 2023, it placed an order for eighteen K/A-50 “Golden Eagle” light fighters from South Korean KAI following a tender. Meanwhile, Malaysia had expressed interest in the Kuwaiti Air Force’s fleet of approximately twenty F/A-18 Hornets, which had been in operation since the early 1990s, two years prior.
Given that the TUDM owned eight F/A-18D Hornets, it was logical to acquire these aircraft. Kuwait was in the process of disposing of its aircraft, which it had acquired in a series of orders, including 32 F/A-18 Super Hornets and 28 Eurofighter EF-2000/Typhoons.
Nevertheless, Kuwait was not in a hurry to initiate negotiations with Malaysia. The reason was that it was already in the process of discussing the potential transfer of its F/A-18 Hornets to the US Marine Corps. At least, that was the assertion made at the time. Additionally, there was discussion regarding their transfer to the Tunisian Air Force at one time.
It appears that the American option has been dropped. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the Malaysian Defense Minister, stated that Kuwaiti authorities had “responded favorably to Malaysia’s request” to acquire the Kuwaiti F/A-18s after visiting Kuwait City.
“We are grateful to the Kuwaiti government for their positive indication, especially as they recognize that this is an urgent need for Malaysia,” he said.
Nevertheless, the United States must still authorize the transfer of Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornets to Malaysia, which should not be a problem in principle.
Kuwait and Malaysia will establish a “special committee” to supervise discussions and guarantee their rapid progress upon the issuance of this authorization.
“We are facing a significant delay in strengthening our air capabilities. If we fail to acquire the Kuwaiti planes, this process will be considerably delayed,” the Malaysian Defense Minister emphasized.
