Malaysia Considers Acquiring KF-21 during Negotiations for the Second Batch of LCA

17 Januari 2026

KAI CEO, Kang Goo-young, stated that the combination of the KF-21 and FA-50 will provide Malaysia with a highly strategic and tactical air defense system (photo: Aviacionline)

Malaysia may consider acquiring South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet as its air force faces the risk of being weakened due to the delay in introducing the F/A-18 Hornet.

Malaysia has begun exploratory talks with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) about the possibility of acquiring KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, amid growing concerns about its future force levels following delays in the acquisition of additional F/A-18 Hornets from Kuwait, Malaysia Military Power reported on January 11, 2026.

This agreement is also linked to the long-term planning for the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program as the retirement of existing F/A-18D and Su-30MKM fighters approaches.

(James Kim)