The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are undergoing joint multinational military training as part of the Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), the U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual drill in East Africa.
The exercise brings together military personnel from over 20 countries across three continents, aiming to strengthen regional security, enhance crisis response, and improve cooperation in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force – Africa (SETAF-AF) leads this joint, all-domain exercise in East Africa to enable future operations to maintain strategic access and build partner capacity to disrupt malign influence, aggression, and activity.
JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios designed to sharpen warfighting skills and operational coordination among partner nations.
About Justified Accord
The Joint Multinational Field Training Exercise (FTX), Exercise JA25, is currently taking place at the Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Centre (CITSO) in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
This year’s exercise marks Kenya’s fourth consecutive time as host.
The iteration also marks the 10-year anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Massachusetts National Guard and the Kenya Defence Forces.
This milestone highlights a decade of sustained military cooperation, training exchanges, and capacity-building efforts between the two forces.
This year featured the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration (AGI) operations in Samburu Military training area where partner countries controlled Kenyan air assets.
AGI refers to the coordination and synchronization between air and ground forces during military operations.
It involves the use of air assets (such as fighter jets, helicopters, or drones) to provide support to ground forces, which can include infantry, armored units, or special forces.
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Activities KDF and Othe Multinational Troops are Undertaking
Specialized Training Activities Underway
During the exercise, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and U.S. troops participated in Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training, a specialized combat technique crucial for urban warfare, counterterrorism, and hostage rescue operations.
The 3rd Battalion, the Rifles, 11th Infantry Brigade of the 1st (United Kingdom) Division led the joint training alongside the KDF, U.S. Army’s 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force.
The training focused on developing skills for engaging enemies in confined spaces, such as buildings and narrow streets. Soldiers underwent drills on room-clearing techniques, tactical movement, and precision shooting to ensure they are well-prepared for real-world threats.
On Monday, February 17, the Kenya Air Force’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU), alongside the United States Air Force Special Tactics Team (STT), successfully conducted a joint hostage rescue exercise.
Drone and Electronic Warfare Training
As unmanned aerial systems become more integral to modern warfare, soldiers in the Justified Accord 2025 exercise have been trained on drone defense techniques.
Kenyan instructors and U.S. troops showcased the use of the drone buster, a specialized device designed to disable enemy drones.
The multinational troops also had the opportunity to actively test the device’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
In addition to drone defense, personnel were trained in electronic warfare, gaining hands-on experience with advanced equipment used to operate drones and analyze battlefield intelligence.
The training focused on enhancing the ability of soldiers to intercept and neutralize drone threats while improving situational awareness in complex combat environments.
Additionally, the KDF troops from the Engineers Brigade participated in the Counter- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) training.
As part of the exercise, these troops were engaged in arming IEDs and responding to various IED-related scenarios.
This training is essential in addressing the growing use of IEDs in asymmetric warfare and enhancing battlefield survivability.
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Military Medical Support and Civilian Outreach
For the first time, JA25 includes real-world medical and veterinary outreach programs. U.S. and Kenya military healthcare providers are conducting a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), offering healthcare services to local communities.
A separate Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP) is providing essential veterinary services to livestock, reinforcing positive relations with Kenyan communities and preparing soldiers for situations where animals are present in conflict zones.
The KDF medical personnel and the United States Army medical team joined forces under the multinational exercise Justified Accord 2025 and conducted a two-day medical outreach in Samburu County on February 16.
Live-Fire Drills and Multinational Joint Operations
The exercise also features live-fire training, involving the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), the U.K.’s 11th SFAB, and the Massachusetts National Guard, in collaboration with KDF, NATO allies, and regional partners.
These drills enhance joint warfighting capabilities, rapid response strategies, and combat effectiveness in complex operational environments.
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