The eight two-seat D model Hornets will fulfill strike and interdiction missions as part of the Royal Malaysian Air Force modernization program. Initially, the aircraft will be used to meet training requirements.

Mike Sears, president of McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, said, "This is a very exciting day for both the Government of Malaysia and the entire Hornet Industry Team. It's a fabulous aircraft that will serve Malaysia well into the next century. We're proud to have the Malaysian government as partners in this exciting endeavor. We are committed to providing the Royal Malaysian Air Force with the most advanced tactical fighter aircraft available anywhere in the world today."

The first flight of a Malaysian F/A-18D occurred Feb. 1, 1997, at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. The flight lasted approximately 1.2 hours.

McDonnell Douglas is also providing a logistical package that will support aircraft operations at the Royal Malaysian air base at Butterworth. The Malaysian Hornets are equipped with the upgraded Hughes APG-73 radar and two General Electric F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines.

Malaysia is the first nation in Southeast Asia to purchase the F/A-18. This sale comes under the Foreign Military Sales program, which means it is a government-to-government transaction.

Among the countries which have ordered or are currently flying F/A-18 Hornets are the United States (Navy and Marine Corps), Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Switzerland and Thailand.