Kuwait: Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief, General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, visited Kuwait’s Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base on Thursday to review the technical assessment of its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RMAF stated in a Facebook post yesterday that a dedicated, eight-officer team of pilots, engineers, and materiel experts is conducting the technical assessment from Nov 11 to 26. “The assessment was arranged to ensure the process is comprehensive, detailed and based on professional judgement. This evaluation is critical as it allows the RMAF to fully assess the technical aspects, operational status and readiness of the Kuwait Air Force’s F/A-18C/D aircraft,” the post read.

RMAF further clarified that the results of this technical assessment will serve as a reference for the air force and Malaysian government to comprehensively evaluate the potential acquisition of these aircraft, in line with the nation’s strategic interests and long-term defence needs. Muhamad Norazlan was welcomed by Kuwait Air Force’s deputy commander, Brigadier General Naser B N Al-Waheeb.

He received a comprehensive briefing on the operational capabilities and maintenance protocols of the aircraft and took the opportunity to inspect the jets at close quarters. Previous media reports indicated that the RMAF would conduct a thorough evaluation before finalising the acquisition.

This assessment is understood to cover several key areas, including the proposed delivery schedule, total acquisition cost and long-term maintenance requirements to ensure the aircraft’s operational readiness for years to come. Malaysia’s evaluation of these aircraft was initiated following the receipt of official approval from the United States, the country of manufacture.

It follows discussions held during the visit of Malaysian Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, to Kuwait on Oct 7 last year, when he met with the nation’s leadership to discuss the matter.