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THE upcoming Budget 2026 is expected to place strong emphasis on modernising the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), in line with the country’s strategic plan to develop a future-ready defence force, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025–2026 Warriors’ Fund Campaign (Kempen Tabung Pahlawan), the minister described the budget, due to be tabled tomorrow, as a starting point for implementing key agendas outlined in the Mid-Term Review of the Defence White Paper earlier this year.
“I believe this budget will also take into account the challenges we have highlighted as likely to face the country, whether traditional or non-traditional in nature,” he said.
“At the same time, I am confident it will continue to focus on the welfare and well-being of our armed forces personnel,” he added, speaking to reporters after the campaign launch in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister’s wife and the fund’s patron.
Among those present were Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, and Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain.
On the matter of procurement, Mohamed Khaled said the ministry would provide a full update on the status of Malaysia’s intended acquisition of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets once all relevant information has been received.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation before finalising the potential acquisition of the jets from Kuwait.
Mohamed Khaled previously visited Kuwait in October 2023, where he held discussions with Kuwaiti leaders on the possibility of obtaining the fighter aircraft from the Kuwait Air Force for use by the ATM. - October 9, 2025
