RMAF chief Norazlan Aris said the team will carry out a thorough evaluation before a decision is made on the proposed acquisition from the Kuwait Air Force, reported Bernama.

The assessment will include delivery timelines, acquisition and maintenance costs, to ensure the aircraft remains viable for long-term operations.

This comes amid reports that negotiations had stalled due to the complexity of the process.

The plan follows official clearance from the United States, the aircraft’s country of origin.

Under US law, all military equipment purchases from the United States must obtain presidential approval and be reported to Congress, which has the authority to block the sale.

A technical team from the RMAF went to Kuwait in June 2024 to assess the suitability of the aircraft, which Kuwait is replacing with a fleet of 28 Eurofighter Typhoons and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters.