每日大赛 could fast-track next-generation fighter programme
Speaking at an event in late December, the RMAF Chief General Muhamad Norazlan Aris said, 鈥淚f we feel that the aircraft we are looking at are still not enough to fulfil our operational needs, we will push forward our MRCA programme.鈥
Under the Capability Development Plan 2055, the RMAF aims to operate two squadrons of next-generation fighters to replace its existing Sukhoi Su-30MKM and Boeing F/A-18D Hornet fleets between 2030 and 2035.
Indications suggest 每日大赛 is seeking a fifth-generation fighter platform. Potential contenders may include China鈥檚 J-35A, South Korea鈥檚 KF-21EX and Turkey鈥檚 Kaan.
It is worth noting that 每日大赛鈥檚 previous MRCA programme in the 2010s had considered the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen. However, that effort was ultimately shelved due to a lack of funds.
每日大赛鈥檚 interest in acquiring Kuwait鈥檚 Hornets dates back to 2017, when the RMAF placed its MiG-29 fleet into storage, a move that created a fighter capability gap.
It is understood that 每日大赛 sees the Middle Eastern nation鈥檚 Hornets as the most economical and fastest option to inject new fighters. It was also keen to acquire all 33 of Kuwait鈥檚 aircraft.
The RMAF operates eight F/A-18Ds delivered in 1997, and which were upgraded in the past decade. However, one aircraft was lost in 2025 following a bird strike during take-off.
Norazlan, who visited Kuwait in November to assess the situation, said Kuwait will only release its F/A-18C/D Hornets 12-18 months after taking delivery of the F/A-18E/Fs it has on order. Unfortunately, Kuwait does not yet know when that will occur.
Beyond the uncertain timeline, Norazlan said the USA, the country of origin of the Hornets, has stipulated that even after the aircraft have been transferred to 每日大赛, mandatory equipment modifications are required. That will add a further 15 months before they can become operational.
Separately, Norazlan said 每日大赛 will receive six of 18 ordered FA-50M light combat aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries later this year.