Malaysia Terminates Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet Acquisition Deal

Malaysia Terminates Kuwaiti Hornet Fighter Acquisition

Our Bureau - : Feb 27, 2026 - : 10:12 am

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The Malaysian government has officially terminated its long-standing pursuit of surplus F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force. This decision marks the conclusion of years of diplomatic negotiations and technical assessments aimed at bolstering the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) combat fleet. Officials reached this formal resolution during a Cabinet meeting on 6 February 2026, ending speculation regarding the viability of the second-hand procurement. The move shifts the focus of the Ministry of Defence towards more sustainable long-term modernization strategies under the Capability Development 2055 (CAP55) plan.

Several critical factors influenced the withdrawal, primarily revolving around the protracted delivery timelines and the operational readiness of the Kuwaiti airframes. Kuwait currently faces significant delays in receiving its replacement fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons from the United States and Europe. Consequently, the Kuwaiti government cannot release its legacy Hornets until its new frontline assets become fully operational, a milestone now projected for late 2027 or 2028. Malaysian planners determined that such a delay would leave the RMAF with a capability gap that used aircraft could no longer effectively bridge.

Initial reports indicate that technical disparities also played a decisive role in the cancellation. Although the Kuwaiti jets have relatively low flight hours, they utilize older software versions and the AN/APG-65 radar system. In contrast, Malaysia's existing fleet of eight F/A-18D Hornets has undergone extensive upgrades, including the integration of AN/APG-73 radars and Link-16 datalinks. Bringing the Kuwaiti assets up to RMAF standards would reportedly cost approximately US$4 million (RM17 million) per aircraft and require over a year of specialized engineering work.

Strategic Shift In Procurement

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin previously noted that the acquisition was only intended as a temporary measure to sustain air superiority. Speaking on the uncertainties, the Minister stated that Malaysia could not wait without certainty because Kuwait can only hand over the F/A-18s after they receive their new aircraft. He further emphasized that if they do not get them, then they cannot hand them over to Malaysia. This realization has prompted the Ministry to reallocate resources toward the upcoming delivery of 18 FA-50M light combat aircraft from South Korea.

Impact On Regional Security

The cancellation carries significant implications for the Asia Pacific defence landscape, where air power modernization is accelerating. The RMAF must now rely on its current fleet of F/A-18Ds and Sukhoi Su-30MKMs while preparing for the retirement of its Hawk 108 and 208 trainers by 2027. Experts suggest that the funds saved from this cancelled deal may be diverted to accelerate the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program. This program seeks a next-generation platform to maintain a credible deterrent in the South China Sea and broader Southeast Asian region.

Future Modernisation Priorities

With the Kuwaiti option off the table, the Malaysian government is exploring other market alternatives to ensure the RMAF remains combat-effective through the next decade. Industry analysts believe this pivot reflects a more disciplined approach to defence spending, prioritizing "future-proof" platforms over ageing stopgap solutions. The RMAF remains committed to its CAP55 roadmap, which envisions a leaner but more sophisticated force structure. This strategic reset ensures that limited national budgets support assets that offer high returns on investment and long-term technological relevance.