Kuwait is in negotiations to sell its F/A-18C/D Hornet multi-role fighters to the Malaysian Air Force, subject to US approval.
During a recent visit to Kuwait, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin inspected the Kuwait Air Force’s F/A-18C/D jets manufactured by Boeing.
“The procurement needs to be approved by the supplier country and then the handover process can only be done after Kuwait receives the new fighter jets,” said the Malaysian Defense Minister, as quoted by local newspaper Kosmo.
Kuwaiti F/A-18 Fighters
Awarding Boeing a $1.5-billion contract in 2018, Kuwait ordered 28 F/A-18 Super Hornets to replace its F/A-18C/D fighter jets.
The retired planes will now be sold to Malaysia if a deal is reached and Washington approves the sale.
A multi-role combat aircraft, the F/A-18C/D is used for defensive and offensive operations and is capable of carrying precision-guided and unguided bombs.
Featuring two General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofan engines, the aircraft also has mid-air refueling capabilities to optimize operations.
Moreover, an integrated AN/APG-65 radar system delivers high-resolution mapping, allowing multi-target engagement.
Malaysia Enhancing International Ties
Malaysia and Kuwait are traditionally neutral nations, but the Gulf country is a close non-NATO US ally.
In August, the Malaysian government enhanced its ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council in preparation for the ASEAN summit to be held in Malaysia in 2025.
Kuala Lumpur also invested in expanding its international partnerships earlier in May, during the Defence Services Asia Exhibition & Conference, announcing several new commercial agreements worth $1.5 billion.
