Mohamed Khaled Holds Further Talks On Kuwait Fighter Jet Acquisition

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today met with Kuwait’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Rashed M R Al-Saleh, for a follow-up discussion on Malaysia's interest in acquiring fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force (KAF).

In a social media post, Mohamed Khaled shared that the meeting at the Ministry of Defence was a follow-up to his official working visit to Kuwait in early October.

"During my time in Kuwait, I held meetings with the country’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Defence and Interior Minister.

“I also visited Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, which houses the squadron responsible for operating the F/A-18C/D Legacy Hornet fighter jets owned by the KAF,” he said.

According to Mohamed Khaled, the acquisition of these fighter jets would enhance the capability and readiness of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

During a visit to Kuwait on Oct 7, Mohamed Khaled held discussions with the country to acquire the Kuwaiti Air Force's (KAF) F/A-18 Legacy Hornet aircraft for the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).

Kuwait reportedly responded positively to this matter, and both countries agreed to establish a special committee involving military officials from both nations to initiate discussions and negotiations to ensure that prerequisites are met, thereby facilitating the purchase of the aircraft.

Discussions regarding the acquisition of the aircraft followed the visit of the Kuwait Ambassador to Malaysia, Rashed Mohammed Rashed Al-Saleh, where the issue was raised as a step to strengthen defence relations between the two countries on July 11.

This move is seen as a strategic effort that not only bolsters national defence but also opens opportunities for closer cooperation in defence technology between Malaysia and Kuwait.

-- BERNAMA