The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is awaiting approval from the United States to acquire F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF). The proposed acquisition aims to bolster Malaysia's fleet, complementing the RMAF's existing eight F/A-18D aircraft, which were introduced in 1997. The plan also serves as an interim measure ahead of the RMAF’s Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme.
RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan stated that the necessary paperwork had been submitted, and the matter is now under the consideration of the US authorities. "All correspondence has been carried out and is in the US's attention, we are now just waiting for approval from the US. So far, there have been no problems," he said, as quoted by Bernama on Thursday (Dec. 19).
The general further explained that the next steps depend on the US decision, noting that a joint committee involving the Ministry of Defence, RMAF, and KAF had been established to oversee the process. He highlighted that the additional aircraft would improve Malaysia’s capacity to conduct patrol missions, complementing the operations of its existing SU-30 MKM and F/A-18D Hornet jets.
In October, Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reportedly visited Kuwait to inspect the condition of the KAF’s Hornet jets. Discussions between the two nations have progressed, with Kuwait expressing positive feedback on Malaysia’s interest. Both countries have agreed to form a committee to negotiate the terms of the acquisition.
The Kuwaiti Air Force is retiring its F/A-18C/D aircraft following its procurement of newer models, including 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets—comprising 22 single-seat F/A-18E and six dual-seat F/A-18F variants—and Eurofighter Typhoons.
A renaming ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard on Wednesday (Jan. 29) for two Multipurpose Combat Ships / Pattugliatore…
Switzerland-based JEKTA, the manufacturer of the zero-emissions PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, has formed two new strategic partnerships to enhance its…
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence and EDGE, a prominent advanced technology and defence group, have signed a letter of intent…
Boom Supersonic has announced the successful first supersonic flight of the company's XB-1 demonstrator aircraft at Mojave Air & Space…
BlackSky Technology Inc. has signed a seven-year contract worth over $100 million with a long-term strategic partner in the international…
Malaysia will equip one of its Lekiu-class frigates with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), an anti-ship surface-to-surface missile developed by…
The U.S. Army has awarded L3Harris Technologies full-rate Manpack and Leader radio production orders under the Handheld, Manpack & Small…
L3Harris recently attached an advanced multirole electronic warfare (EW) capability to a T7 robot and demonstrating it at Vanguard 2024,…
Airbus Helicopters secured 455 gross orders (450 net) in 2024, demonstrating robust market growth with notable demand for its light,…
Piaggio Aerospace, encompassing Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, has signed a preliminary contract to transfer its business complexes to…
Calian Group Ltd. has announced the appointment of Major-General (Ret.) Roch Pelletier to the newly established position of Regional Vice…
Airnguru, a provider of airline fare management and pricing optimisation solutions, has announced significant financial progress and growth milestones. The…
AMMROC, a UAE-based provider of military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with…
The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD has signed a contract worth about $80 million with Elbit Systems for the development…
As part of the Italy-Saudi Arabia institutional round table, ELT Group has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with SAMI Advanced…
Leonardo, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment (MISA), and General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding…
Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft to 86 customers around the world in 2024. The commercial aircraft business registered 878 gross…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has concluded the Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for its fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKM…
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to deliver propulsion and manoeuvring systems for two new KCR-70 Fast Attack Craft (FAC)…
Representatives from KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales gathered in Paris to formalise the creation of the "MGCS…
ST Engineering's Commercial Aerospace business has signed a five-year CFM LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract with new…
Embraer is working with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to expand the use of renewable energy at its U.S.…
The use of the combat-proven Rafael Spyder air defence system in the ongoing war in Israel has created interest in…
The delivery of Elbit Systems PULS artillery systems and the company's Hermes -900 UAV to Serbia is expected to begin…
Indonesian private defence firm PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya (PT SSE) has introduced a new version of its P2 Tiger 4×4…
Schiebel has been awarded a new multi-year contract by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to provide services using the…
BlackSky Technology Inc. has shipped its first Gen-3 satellite to launch provider Rocket Lab. The satellite is scheduled to be…
SITA and Cathay Pacific have entered a new agreement aimed at significantly boosting network bandwidth at Cathay Pacific’s airports. The…
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $270 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to integrate next-generation infrared defensive sensors…
Malaysia Airlines, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), has launched a Private Terminal Transfer Service aimed at providing seamless and…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.