The government is waiting for Kuwait’s approval to acquire the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet for the military

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defense is now only waiting for the approval of the Kuwaiti government regarding the acquisition of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet aircraft for use by the Malaysian military.

According to Bernama, Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that Malaysia is indeed interested in obtaining the aircraft following its discussions with Kuwait and the dispatch of a technical team to assess the aircraft last June.

“So, we are in the process and we only pray that the Kuwaiti government can consider the request. Formally we haven’t done (procurement), but informally they already know why we sent a team to do an evaluation of the airplane.

“… and it was found that it is suitable for our use and also in line with our plan to have air force assets that can cover the operations and challenges we face in the country at the moment,” he said after officiating the Parit Division Umno Representative Meeting.

Last June, the air force’s technical team visited Kuwait to hold negotiations related to the acquisition of the fighter aircraft.

In the meantime, Khaled also explained that his side is still planning to acquire assets such as new helicopters, but it depends on the country’s finances.

“The Ministry of Finance is indeed considering these matters … with this area and region being dynamic and the conflicts that are happening increasing, Malaysia needs to ensure the readiness of assets.

“… and also our forces to be able to maintain the peace and sovereignty of the country, not only to attack, but also to maintain the sovereignty and defense of the country, he said.

He said this to comment on the issue regarding the RMAF which had previously leased Leonardo AW 139 helicopters to replace the discontinued Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters, in addition to reducing the dependence on EC 725AP helicopters.