The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has bolstered its air fleet with the official delivery of the Boeing F/A-18D M45-07 Hornet fighter aircraft, marking a significant milestone following the completion of its Local Planned Maintenance 12 Years (LPM12Y) program. Conducted by Rosebank Engineering, the maintenance program encompassed thorough inspections, damage assessments, and structural repairs to ensure the aircraft’s optimal performance and longevity amidst rigorous operational demands. Attended by RMAF Commander General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, the handover ceremony signifies not only the successful completion of the maintenance regimen but also underscores the collaborative efforts between domestic and international aerospace industry players.
The successful completion of the LPM12Y maintenance for the second time underscores The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s growing self-reliance in maintaining and upgrading its air assets. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for future collaborations and advancements within the local defense industry, paving the way for continued innovation and efficiency in supporting the RMAF’s mission readiness objectives. This milestone follows the previous delivery of the first F/A-18D M45-01 aircraft post-LPM12Y maintenance in January of the previous year.
Noteworthy contributions from entities like G7 Global Aerospace (G7GA) and Rosebank Engineering have been pivotal in achieving this feat, demonstrating the growing expertise within Malaysia’s aerospace engineering sector. This achievement is particularly significant as it aligns with the objectives outlined in the 20th Supreme Command Order, emphasizing the enhancement of RMAF capabilities through synergistic partnerships with the local defense industry. By leveraging domestic resources and expertise, the RMAF aims to foster sustainable growth while reducing operational costs associated with force development and maintenance.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia) has eight F/A-18Ds. Delivery of the aircraft spanned from March 1997 to August 1997. Boeing is providing a logistical package that support aircraft operations at the RMAF base at Butterworth. The RMAF Hornets are equipped with the upgraded Hughes APG-73 radar and two General Electric F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines. Three Hornets together were deployed in a bombing airstrike on the “Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo” terrorists on 5 March 2013, just before the joint forces of the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysia Police commandos launched an all-out assault during Operation Daulat. The Hornets were tasked with close air support to the no-fly zone in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
