Overview

• RMAF chief Muhammad Norazlan rejected reports that the Kuwaiti F/A-18 acquisition had been canceled and said the assessment remains ongoing.
• A delegation will visit Kuwait in September to examine delivery schedules, supportability, budget implications and sustainment needs.
• Any transfer depends on Kuwait bringing its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets into service, which pushes potential handover of legacy jets toward 2027–2028.
• Kuwaiti Hornets use older avionics than Malaysia’s upgraded F/A-18Ds, signaling substantial integration and upgrade work for interoperability.
• Malaysia is advancing its separate FA-50 purchase of 18 jets, with first deliveries expected in 2026 to help cover near-term gaps.