The Malaysian Mod is expected to finalise the purchase of thirty ex-Kuwaiti F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter planes for 2025, which would serve as interim multi-role fighters.
With the U.S. endorsing as the original F/A-18 Hornet supplier, Asia-Pacific Defence Journal noted that the Malaysian MoD and Kuwait Air Force are in the latter phases of negotiations.
Due to delays in finding a real replacement, the 30 second-hand aircraft will temporarily substitute the phased-out MiG-29 fighter planes of Russian origin.
Why did Malaysia replace F/A-18 Hornets with MiG-29 fighters?
Modernising the Mig-29s with Western ones has more than one purpose. China is the hegemonic power in the region while neighbouring countries want to be “the second best” after China due to the gains in maritime routes.
By standardising its fleet with Western-origin platforms, MiG-29s’ phased retirement signifies a departure from Russian-made fighter planes. This might help with operational interoperability with ally forces and logistical support.
Although F/A-18C/Ds are available for improvements, as shown by the USMC’s usage, their residual operational hours mean their service life will be restricted. Malaysia could increase the operational relevance of these aircraft by integrating sophisticated weapon systems and AESA radars.
Whether the KF-21 Boramae, F-35, or Rafale delays obtaining a true next-generation fighter, the F/A-18C/Ds provide an instant bridging option to ensure Malaysia keeps a credible combat capability.
By acquiring the KAI KT-1 and later FA-50 jet trainers from the Republic of Korea, Malaysia indicated that its pilot training program was changing to fit Western aircraft. This implies that the natural move from MiG-29s to Western-made fighter planes was unsurprising.
Training and Operational Compatibility: By choosing the FA-50, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) matched its training program more precisely with NATO concepts. The FA-50 was not really compatible with the MiG-29 since it included Western avionics and weapon systems.
The change to Western-built training aircraft revealed that maintaining Russian platforms was becoming operationally problematic, notably regarding technical assistance and spare parts, especially during conflict and sanctions enforced on Russia.
The FA-50 is a training aircraft and a link to Western combat platforms because of its light attack capacity.
Malaysia Finalses Second-Hand F/A-18 Hornet Deal
