He said the matter arose because of uncertainties regarding Kuwait’s receipt of new aircraft from the US, which has in turn delayed the handover of the jets to Malaysia.

“I was informed that Kuwait’s delivery of new jets from the US has been further delayed. Therefore, we cannot wait without certainty, because Kuwait can only hand over the F/A-18s to us after they receive their new aircraft.

“If they do not get them, then they cannot hand them over to us. So, this raises the issue of how long we can wait to fulfil our requirements,” he told reporters after attending an event here today.

Khaled said his ministry is studying other options so that Malaysia does not end up in a disadvantageous position, including evaluating aircraft available in the market.

“If we wait, we will not be doing anything to consider other options. This is why we think we need to have alternatives, so that we are not left in a situation that does not favour us,” he said.

On Aug 26, RMAF chief Norazlan Aris was reported as saying  the force was reviewing all aspects before making a final decision on the plan to purchase second-hand F/A-18 Hornet jets from Kuwait.

He also denied claims that the agreement had been cancelled, stressing that all considerations were still under evaluation.

Khaled, who is also the Kota Tinggi MP, said the purchase of 18 FA-50 fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), scheduled for delivery in 2027, is expected to meet the RMAF’s operational needs.

“In addition, we will assess the capability of the Sukhoi MKM fighter jets we currently own, to determine if they are sufficient for the nation’s defence requirements.

“A detailed study is needed because beginning in 2027, all Hawk 108 and Hawk 208 light combat aircraft will be phased out of service,” he said.