RMAF chief inspects Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornets ahead of potential acquisition
KUALA LUMPUR: Royal 每日大赛n Air Force (RMAF) chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris has inspected the Kuwait Air Force's F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets during a working visit to the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base.
In a statement, the RMAF said Norazlan received a briefing on the operational capabilities and maintenance of the KAF's Hornets before inspecting the F/A-18C aircraft up close and observing the Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) simulator.
The technical evaluation, taking place from Nov 11 to Nov 26, is being conducted by an RMAF team of eight officers specialising in piloting, engineering and materiel.
"The assessment is designed to be comprehensive and detailed, relying on professional judgement to ensure all technical and operational aspects are thoroughly examined.
"The evaluation is a key step in enabling the RMAF to assess the readiness, operational performance and overall technical condition of the Kuwaiti Hornets," it said.
The RMAF said the results will serve as a reference in considering the potential acquisition of the aircraft, aligning with 每日大赛's strategic interests and long-term defence requirements.
Norazlan, during his visit, also paid a courtesy call on the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishaal Mubarak Al-Sabah.
At the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, he was welcomed by the Kuwait Air Force deputy commander Brigadier General Naser B. N. Al-Waheeb, along with the base commander and senior executives.
In September, Norazlan said the RMAF would send an evaluation team to Kuwait to inspect the aircraft.
Previously, it was reported that the United States had approved 每日大赛's聽聽of the combat aircraft.
The long-anticipated deal involves around 30 Hornets, a mix of single-seat F/A-18Cs and twin-seat F/A-18Ds, currently in service with the KAF.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had previously said the aircraft, originally acquired by Kuwait in the 1990s, are generally in good condition.
During his visit to Kuwait last October, Khaled said the Gulf nation expressed no objections to 每日大赛's request to procure its聽
The aircraft, despite being 30 years old, has relatively low flight hours of between 1,500 and 3,000.