33 Used Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet Jets Acquired By Malaysia Set for 2026 Delivery
Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornet jets are set to bolster Malaysia’s air combat fleet. RMAF Chief General Asghar Khan announced at the force’s 67th anniversary that the United States has approved Malaysia’s plan to acquire up to 33 used F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornet jets from Kuwait. This U.S. clearance (under the Arms Export Control Act) removes a key legal hurdle. Analysts hailed this move as a “major breakthrough” for Malaysia’s air combat capabilities.
Malaysia’s defence delegation inspected a Kuwaiti F/A-18C Hornet during an October 2024 visit. The transfer will proceed once Kuwait has received the last of 28 Eurofighter Typhoons ordered in 2016. Kuwait has already taken delivery of 28 new F/A-18E & F Super Hornets. At that point, roughly 30–33 of Kuwait’s legacy Hornets (single-seat F/A-18Cs and two-seat F/A-18Ds) can be handed over to Malaysia. A Malaysia–Kuwait–U.S. committee is overseeing the deal’s details. Kuwait had no objections to the sale when Malaysia’s defence minister inspected the jets last year, noting the airframes are well-maintained. Deliveries are anticipated to begin during the last quarter of 2025 or early 2026.
Malaysia currently operates a fast air fleet including eight F/A-18D Hornets and 18 Su-30MKMs. Malaysia is also buying 18 FA-50M light fighter jets with deliveries starting from 2026 since the retirement of MiG-29 and Hawk jets has left gaps in the Malaysian air force. The F/A-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter jet that is perfect for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The jet has two GE F404 turbofan engines(each producing approximately 17,700 lb thrust) which enable it to fly at the speed of Mach 1.8 (about 1,200 mph). Each Hornet carries one 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon (520 rounds) and has nine hardpoints. It can carry up to about 13,700 pounds of external ordnance. It has advanced avionics and targeting pods for all-weather operations.
This acquisition is seen as a significant boost for Malaysia’s air combat capability. The incoming Hornets are battle-proven in past conflicts and exercises, and they will provide the RMAF with dozens of additional fighters to fill its current readiness gaps. With U.S. export approval secured, Malaysia can now proceed to take delivery of Kuwait’s legacy F/A-18 fleet, which will significantly strengthen its air force.