THE Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is evaluating the option of acquiring new fifth-generation (5G) fighter jets from France, the United States and Russia, amid continued uncertainty over the delivery of used F/A-18 Hornets from Kuwait.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the consideration forms part of the government’s broader objective to replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) fleet with new aircraft by 2040.
"We are now in a position to weigh the option of acquiring new 5G fighter jets, whether from France, the US or Russia. The evaluation process will be lengthy, and final recommendations may only materialise by 2033 or 2034," he told the Dewan Rakyat during the 13th Malaysia Plan winding-up session on Tuesday.
He was responding to a query from Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi, who had asked about the status of the planned acquisition of used F/A-18 Hornets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF) and the timeline for their delivery.
Mohamed Khaled confirmed that a delegation from the RMAF is scheduled to travel to Kuwait next month to inspect the aircraft and conduct an assessment of their operational readiness.
"Our team will evaluate the condition of the fighter jets and determine if any upgrades or improvements are necessary," he said.
However, he clarified that the transfer of the aircraft to Malaysia can only proceed once Kuwait receives its new fighter jets from the United States — a delivery for which the timeline remains uncertain.
"Kuwait has yet to confirm when they will receive their new jets, so the schedule for the transfer to Malaysia remains dependent on that," Mohamed Khaled added.
The government has previously expressed interest in acquiring up to 33 used F/A-18C/D Hornets from Kuwait to bolster Malaysia’s air combat capabilities, particularly as the country gradually phases out older assets. - August 20, 2025
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