Uncertainty over Hornet deal puts Malaysia's air defence at risk

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's air defence posture faces heightened risks if interim measures are not taken to address its combat aircraft capability gap amid uncertainties over the transfer and acquisition of Kuwaiti Air Force (KAF) F/A-18 legacy Hornets.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Research Centre for History, Politics and International Affairs senior lecturer Dr Aizat Khairi said the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) fighter jet fleets were under increasing strain in the absence of reinforcements.

"This gap has a direct effect on Malaysia's air defence posture. Without reinforcements, the number of combat-ready aircraft available for patrols, quick reaction alerts and joint exercises will shrink.

"This not only diminishes deterrence but also places greater pressure on the remaining fleet, leading to faster wear and heightened operational risks," he told the New Straits Times.

Aizat was commenting on Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's recent statement that alternative options would be considered if a decision to buy KAF legacy Hornets could not be finalised, as Kuwait is still awaiting delivery of its new jets from the United States.

Aizat said such a situation could hinder the air force's ability to maintain a continuous presence in Malaysia's airspace, particularly when regional tensions remain fluid.

On the timeline for acquiring new fighter aircraft, he said the process was neither immediate nor simple.

"Once everything is secured, the aircraft would need to undergo inspection, upgrades and integration into Malaysia's systems before being operationally deployed — adding at least another year.

"If Malaysia considers new purchases or leasing alternatives, the timeline could extend further as new orders often require several years for delivery.

"Realistically, even with fast-tracking, the cycle from negotiation to operational readiness often exceeds beyond two years," he said.

He warned that Malaysia risked falling behind in terms of deterrence and credibility as regional air forces continued to modernise.

"Neighbouring countries, such as Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, are rapidly enhancing their air forces with advanced platforms.

"Singapore is expanding its fifth-generation capabilities with the F-35 Lightning II, while Indonesia and Vietnam are diversifying with modern 4.5-generation aircraft.

"Malaysia, by comparison, risks falling behind if its transition to newer aircraft is delayed," he said.

Aizat said immediate defence concerns could arise from the reduced availability of fighters.

"The reduced fleet increases the vulnerability of Malaysian airspace to incursions or challenges.

"Pilot training and readiness may also suffer if fewer aircraft are available for regular flight hours and exercises.

"An over-reliance on the remaining Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers and Hornets could accelerate their wear and tear, and lead to more frequent technical problems or accidents, as seen with the recent Hornet crash in Kuantan," he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Centre for Defence and International Security Studies director Professor Dr Adam Leong Kok Wey said the RMAF should adopt a two-pronged strategy.

He said this approach would consist of continuing with the legacy Hornets arrangement within the required timeframe while exploring leasing options.

"This will allow RMAF to fill the operational gaps and provide credible deterrence.

"For example, the air forces of the Czech Republic and Hungary have leased Swedish Saab Gripens, with the former just extending the lease to 2035 and the latter set to buy the 14 leased Gripens next year along with four additional new ones.

"With leasing, it may provide a more cost-effective option for the mid- and long-term aspects of maintenance, repair and overhaul, and not burden RMAF to set up a new dedicated logistics pipeline to support the aircraft," he said.

Adam said RMAF could acquire a second batch of South Korean-made FA-50Ms light combat aircraft (LCA), in addition to the 18 already ordered.

"This will also be a good choice for us as the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55) envisions three squadrons of LCA.

"Nonetheless, it will take more time to build the extra 18 FA-50Ms by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd," he said.

He added that sentiments in procuring combat aircraft for the RMAF should not be swayed by recent procurement plans by Malaysia's neighbours, stressing that planning should remain aligned with CAP55.

"The plan will transform the RMAF into a reputed air power by 2055. The MRCA (multirole combat aircraft) is just an element of a 'system of systems' that RMAF is planning to acquire to turn the air force into a modern networked joint fighting force in the armed forces," he said.

On Aug 26, RMAF chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said the force was studying every aspect before making a final decision on the proposed purchase of second-hand F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.

He dismissed claims that the deal had been cancelled, stressing that all considerations were still under evaluation.