Kenya is set to host the inaugural Association of African Air Forces Exercise (AAAFEX) in 2027, with the Kenya Defense Forces expected to lead the exercise.
In a statement on August 10, the Ministry of Defense said the AAAFEX Command Post and Field Training Exercise will focus on strengthening collaboration among African Air Forces.
“It is against this backdrop that the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) is preparing to conduct its inaugural Command Post and Field Training Exercise (AAAFEX CPX/FTX), scheduled for 2027 in Kenya,” the statement read in part.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and build shared capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies and disasters.
According to the ministry, the training will bring African Air Forces together to strengthen collective air power and improve coordinated responses during emergencies.
15 African Countries Join Kenya’s 2027 Air Exercise Preparations
Representatives from 15 AAAF member countries, alongside the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, met in Nairobi from August 3 to 7, 2026, as stated by the Ministry of Defense.
The Mid Planning Conference focused on refining the AAAFEX exercise plan and validating its draft operational procedures.
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Further, the statement confirmed that the meeting also sought to strengthen interoperability among the participating air forces ahead of the 2027 exercise.
The exercise will test the mobilization and integration of multinational air resources within hours of activation.
It will also assess command and air tasking procedures, as well as the delivery of coordinated humanitarian assistance under a Kenya-led response.
“The conference provided a platform to refine the exercise plan, validate the draft AAAFEX Standard Operating Procedures and Concept of Air Operations and Movement and strengthen interoperability among participating forces,” the statement read.
Brigadier Kipkurui Calls for Stronger Planning Ahead of African Air Forces Training
Brigadier Hillary Kipkurui, the Exercise Director and Base Commander of Laikipia Air Base, commended participants for their contributions during the conference.
Kipkurui said the success of AAAFEX will depend on joint planning, reviewing assumptions, and refining operational procedures.
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He urged participating members to identify gaps in the exercise plan and develop a practical and interoperable framework before the exercise begins.
“The success of AAAFEX will depend on our ability to plan together, challenge our assumptions and refine our procedures. I urge all participating members to continue critiquing the plan and identifying gaps so that, by the time we execute the exercise, we have a robust, practical and interoperable framework capable of delivering the desired humanitarian effects,” he said.
The Mid Planning Conference was described as a key step in developing AAAFEX into a multinational capability focused on humanitarian response.
The exercise carries the name “Nguvu Pamoja,” meaning “collective strength.”
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