The United States of America has committed to delivering 16 new helicopters to the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) as part of the tangible benefits Kenya is set to receive following President William Ruto‘s State visit to the US.
White House in a statement on Thursday, May 23, 2024, announced the new partnership while revealing the benefits Kenya will gain ahead of the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya partnership.
The country will receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025 according to the White House which will also benefit the country in participating in peacekeeping missions.
Kenya to receive new KDF Choppers
“Kenya is scheduled to receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025 to bolster its ability to provide regional peace and security (8 Hueys) and participate in peacekeeping missions (8 MD-500s),” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Bell Huey: Details of Chopper General Ogolla Was Using & US Air Force History
Also, the US committed to continuing military procurement in Kenya noting that the country has one of the largest U.S. Foreign Military Sales portfolios in Africa.
In relation to the commitment, Kenya will also receive 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles.
According to the United States, Kenya selected the military vehicles from U.S. Excess Defense Article stocks, which are projected to arrive in September 2024.
At the same time, White House further revealed that the two countries have committed to collaborating in military Exercises.
“The United States welcomes Kenya’s hosting of and participation in some of the largest U.S. military exercises in Africa, including Exercise JUSTIFIED ACCORD – the second largest U.S. military exercise in Africa – and Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS, which focuses on building interoperability amongst multinational partners in the maritime environment,” the statement adds.
KDF Chopper Crashes
The commitment to grant Kenya new choppers comes after a surge in helicopter crashes involving KDF planes.
Also Read: Top KDF Chiefs Feared Dead in Chopper Crash
These crashes included a tragic accident which claimed the life of the late Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla and ten other KDF officers while they were onboard a USA-manufactured Bell Huey II chopper.
The chopper was among a donation of eight Bell Huey II helicopters from the US back in 2016 which was aimed at enhancing the operations of KDF.
Then United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec led the handing over of the choppers to then Defense Cabinet Secretary Rachel Omamo in a ceremony full of optimism and hope for a stronger KDF.
This new commitment of choppers from the US are among a number of commitments from the US to Kenya which came following the welcoming of President Ruto by US President Biden for a State Visit and Dinner to celebrate and deepen ties between the two nations.
Ruto’s three-day state visit marked the 60th year of the partnership between the two countries which according to White House was founded on shared values, deep cooperation, and a common vision for the future.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
