KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry's (Mindef) application to procure Kuwait's used F/A-18C/D fighter jets has yet to receive any positive answer from the country.
Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the current and former leaders had sent applications for the procurement to Kuwait thrice, but the ministry has yet to receive any reply.
"The proposal to procure the used F/A-18C/D fighter jets from Kuwait is still at the evaluation stage. However, since the Kuwait government's administration and cabinet has changed five times, there is no specific authority to make a decision.
"There has been no commitment from Kuwait to say whether they agree or not to the request from Malaysia, to purchase the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)," he said when winding up policy level debate of the Supply Bill 2023 at Dewan Rakyat, today.
According to Mohamad, even though used, the refurbished fighter jets are in good condition with relatively low flight hours.
It would definitely increase the level of preparedness and capability of the country's Air Force in safeguarding the country's airspace.
Meanwhile, speaking of an increased allocation of RM1.4 billion for Mindef in 2023 Budget, he said the allocation was not related to the issue of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
"The additional allocation in the Budget is not involved in the procurement of the LCS alone.
Mindef is currently studying the LCS project to determine if it can be continued. After the findings a memorandum would be prepared to be submitted to the cabinet," he said.
He added that Mindef would discuss with the Economy Ministry and Finance Ministry before being presented to the cabinet. – BERNAMA