South Korea has donated eight refurbished helicopters to the United Nations peacekeeping operations, with the aircraft handed over to Kenya following maintenance work in the United States.
In a statement on October 23, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix announced the donation and thanked South Korea for supporting the UN’s air mobility capabilities.
“Grateful to the Republic of Korea for donating 8 helicopters to enhance UN Peacekeeping’s air mobility. Refurbished with US support, they were handed over to Kenya,” read part of the statement.
The helicopters were pledged during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting held in Seoul in 2021, when South Korea committed to providing aircraft for peacekeeping missions across Africa. The United States agreed to refurbish the helicopters and help transport them to Kenya.
US Refurbishes 8 South Korean Helicopters Before Handover to Kenya
According to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Kenya received modernized MD500 helicopters from South Korea through a trilateral defence partnership with the United States, in a move aimed at strengthening its aviation capabilities.
The Kenya Army Corps of Aviation received the aircraft at its headquarters in Embakasi, following an upgrade programme in which the US government facilitated the installation of advanced digital systems and provided training for Kenyan pilots and technicians.
“Aircraft modernisation remains a key pillar in strengthening operational readiness and enhancing the technological capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Through strategic international cooperation, investment in aviation platforms, personnel development and modern maintenance practices, the KDF continues to advance its capacity to respond to evolving operational requirements and emerging security challenges,” read part of the statement.
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Speaking during the handover, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the upgraded helicopters would improve the KDF’s reconnaissance, aerial support and mobility capabilities, strengthening its ability to conduct critical security operations.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri said the cooperation between Kenya, South Korea and the United States would also support counterterrorism efforts, peace support operations and humanitarian assistance.
Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General David Keter thanked South Korea for providing the aircraft and the United States for its technical expertise in installing the digital systems. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Defence for its continued support in developing the Army’s aviation capabilities.
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South Korean Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik said the transfer reflected growing diplomatic, economic and security ties between Nairobi and Seoul, built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns said the partnership would strengthen Kenya’s capacity to address shared security challenges, including counterterrorism operations in East Africa and peacekeeping missions abroad. She added that sustained investment in security helps create the stability needed for economic growth and long-term prosperity.
Brigadier General Jayson Becker, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa, described Kenya as a key security partner in efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa.
He noted that the helicopters, combined with technical support and training for Kenyan personnel, would enhance the country’s ability to respond to complex security threats in the region and beyond.
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