Kuala lumpur: The Budget 2026, set to be presented tomorrow, is anticipated to concentrate on efforts to modernize the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) as part of a strategic initiative to develop a future-ready military. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted that the budget will serve as the foundation for realizing this goal, which was crafted through the mid-term review of the Defence White Paper in February.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled expressed confidence that the budget would address both traditional and non-traditional challenges the country might encounter. Furthermore, he emphasized that the financial plan would continue to prioritize the welfare of military personnel. His remarks followed the launch of the Warriors Fund (KTP) Campaign for the 2025-2026 session, an event graced by the presence of KTP patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Prime Minister's wife.

The event also saw attendance from key military figures including Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, and Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain. In a related development, Mohamed Khaled mentioned that updates on the procurement status of the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter aircraft would be provided once all pertinent details are acquired. It was previously reported that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plans to conduct a thorough evaluation before finalizing the acquisition of these fighter jets from Kuwait.

Mohamed Khaled's visit to Kuwait on October 7 last year involved discussions with Kuwaiti officials regarding the acquisition of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet aircraft from the Kuwaiti Air Force (KAF) for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).