Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief General Norazlan Aris assured that all RMAF assets, including its aircraft, are maintained on schedule, following the crash of an F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet in Kuantan, Pahang, last night.
Norazlan clarified that the Hornet, in service since 1997, is one of eight such jets in the RMAF fleet, according to Berita Harian. He noted that all fighter jets underwent major servicing in April as part of their 12-year maintenance cycle.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kuantan airbase today, Norazlan emphasized that the crash has not compromised Malaysia’s air defense capabilities. “Air defense strength is not determined by the number of aircraft but by their quality and operational readiness,” he said. “Having 100 aircraft means little if only two are airworthy. What matters is that our assets are of high quality and always prepared.”
The RMAF reported that the incident occurred at 9:05 p.m. on the runway of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan, which shares facilities with the airbase. A widely circulated social media video purportedly shows the fighter jet catching fire shortly after takeoff.
Both pilots, Major Azhar Alang Kamarudin, 34, and weapons system officer Captain Izzuddin Salleh, 28, ejected safely. Azhar sustained minor burns and back injuries, while Izzuddin escaped with bruises.
Norazlan praised the pilots’ resilience, stating, “I met both officers, and despite their minor injuries, they remain in high spirits. This incident underscores the effectiveness of RMAF’s training, as both knew precisely how to respond in an emergency.”
