TSAMTO, September 13. The Malaysian Air Force will continue operating the F/A-18D Hornet and Su-30MKM fighters until 2035 and 2040, respectively.
As reported by Defencesecurityasia.com with reference to the statement of the commander of the Malaysian Air Force, General Akbal Abdul Samad (Ackbal Abdul Samad), for effective operation, the aircraft will undergo a routine maintenance procedure, as well as a modernization program.
In particular, the F/A-18D fleet will begin a 12-year maintenance program within the country (Local Planned Maintenance 12 years-LPM12Y) this year. The Su-30MKM has a Service Life Extension Program (SLEEP) and Mid – Life Upgrade (MLU) modernization program, which will ensure operation until 2040 and beyond.
Currently, the Malaysian Air Force operates eight F/A-18D and 18 Su-30MKM fighters.
According to the commander, the program for the purchase of new aircraft to replace the F/A-18D Hornet will be implemented in the 14th "Malaysian Defense Plan" (RMK-14) for 2030-2035, and for the Su-30MKM – in the 15th "Malaysian Defense Plan" (RMK-15) for 2036-2040.
A. Samad also said that a letter was sent to the commander of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, in which the Malaysian Air Force expressed its intention to purchase decommissioned F/A-18C/D of the Kuwaiti Air Force. No response has been received yet.
