Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo:AFP

The United States has approved Malaysia to buy fighter jets from Kuwait. This decision will help Malaysia make its air force stronger, especially to protect its areas in the South China Sea. This deal also shows how Malaysia is improving its defence power while staying friendly with China.

What is the Deal?

General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who is the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), said on June 17 that America has agreed to Malaysia’s plan to buy up to 33 used F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait. These are powerful jets that can fly fast, carry weapons, and protect the country from any threat.
This plan started in 2017 when Malaysia began talking with Kuwait to buy these jets. The deal needed permission from the United States because these jets were first sold to Kuwait by America, and under their Arms Export Control Act, the US Congress has to approve any such resale. Malaysia’s Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said they hope to finalise the deal this year.

Why Does Malaysia Need These Jets?

Experts say these jets are very important for Malaysia’s defence. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a defence expert, said these fighter jets are needed because Malaysia has many oil and gas areas in the South China Sea, especially near Sarawak in East Malaysia. China often sends its ships and planes near these areas. With these new jets, Malaysia can protect its rights and resources better.

If these jets are placed in East Malaysia, they will support the navy bases there. This shows Malaysia’s plan to make its military strong in an area where Chinese activities are increasing.

Other Defence Improvements in East Malaysia

Malaysia has already started making its defence stronger in East Malaysia. Last year, they placed new radars from the US (AN/TP77) and France (GM400A). These radars can see planes flying far away in the sky, helping Malaysia watch over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
These radars help Malaysia to know if any foreign military planes are entering its area without permission.

US Support Beyond the Jets

Experts believe that the US will also help Malaysia by checking and updating these old Kuwaiti jets before they come to Malaysia. This will make sure they work properly and can be used for many years.

This deal shows that Malaysia and the US have a strong defence partnership. However, Malaysia does not talk too much about this publicly because it wants to keep friendly ties with China as well.

Malaysia’s Current Problems with Air Defence

Right now, Malaysia’s air force does not have enough fighter jets to cover the whole country. It has to look after both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which are far apart. In 2021, when 16 Chinese military planes were flying close to Malaysian airspace, Malaysia could only send its old Hawk jets to watch them. This showed that Malaysia’s air force was not strong enough.

In that 2021 incident, Chinese military transport planes, including Ilyushin Il-76 and Xian Y-20, were flying near Malaysia’s part of the South China Sea. Malaysia protested strongly and called it a serious threat. China replied saying that their planes were only doing normal training and did not enter Malaysian airspace.

Why Buy Used Jets and Not New Ones?

Defence expert Oh Ei Sun explained that Malaysia is buying used jets because new jets are too expensive. Even though old jets may need more maintenance, it is still cheaper than buying brand-new ones. He also said that Malaysia’s air force has to look after a very big area, not just the South China Sea, but also the Sulu Sea and the Malacca Strait, where many ships pass every day.

Malaysia’s Weakness in Ground Defence

Rahman also pointed out that Malaysia does not have strong Ground Based Air Defence Systems (GBADS). These systems are needed to protect land areas and important places from attacks by enemy planes, drones, or missiles.

Plans for More Radars

Malaysia is planning to buy two more GM400α radars from France. These long-range radars will be placed in Peninsular and East Malaysia to watch over their skies better. They can detect low-flying and fast-moving enemy planes before they reach Malaysian land.

Military Exercises with the US

Malaysia and the US often hold joint military exercises, such as Bersama Warrior and CARAT Malaysia. These exercises help the soldiers from both countries to train together and learn from each other. The US also gives training and equipment to Malaysia to make its military stronger.

Malaysia’s Soft Approach Towards China

Experts say Malaysia is very careful in dealing with China. Like Vietnam, Malaysia prefers to solve problems with China quietly through private talks, so that China does not feel insulted in front of other countries. One former Vietnamese defence official said that when talking to China, it is important that China “must not lose face”. Malaysia is following this advice too.

Disputes with China in the South China Sea

In recent years, there have been many incidents where Chinese ships have come near Malaysia’s oil and gas projects in the South China Sea. Even though these areas belong to Malaysia, China also claims them. However, both countries have agreed to solve these disputes peacefully.

Prime Minister’s Promise

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, will continue exploring for oil and gas in its own waters, even if China objects. This shows that Malaysia is firm about protecting its rights in the South China Sea.

This big deal to buy 33 fighter jets from Kuwait with US approval will make Malaysia’s air force stronger. It will help Malaysia protect its land and sea areas, keep peace in the region, and show that Malaysia is ready to defend itself while also keeping good relations with China.