Armée kenyane/Kenyan Armed Forces

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“Worryingly, arms continue to flow to unstable parts of Africa. During 2005-2009, Sudan received armoured vehicles and military aircraft from Russia, China and Belarus. Ukraine continued deliveries of Su-25 combat aircraft to Chad in 2009 and completed the delivery of 110 T-72M tanks to Kenya, although rumours continue to circulate alleging that the Government of Southern Sudan remains the intended end-user. Kenya is also in the process of receiving 15 F-5E combat aircraft from Jordan and 4 Z-9WA combat helicopters from China,” notes SIPRI.

http://www.faxts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=549:peace-dividend-gives-way-to-combat-aircraft&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=121

http://www.janes.com/article/76350/kenyan-displays-new-ah-1-cobras
Kenyan displays new AH-1 Cobras
Jeremy Binnie - Jane's Defence Weekly
13 December 2017
The Kenyan Air Force (KAF) publicly displayed its new AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters for the first time during the country’s independence day celebrations on 12 December, when two took part in a flyby over Nairobi’s Kasarani stadium.
Kenya’s acquisition of at least one AH-1 was revealed in May when images showing the partially disassembled helicopter with KAF markings were posted on social media.
A source close to the KAF subsequently told Jane’s that the helicopters were donated by Jordan, but declined to say how many were being transferred.
Satellite imagery has so far shown a maximum of three AH-1s at the KAF’s Laikipia Air Base.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50841:kenya-fails-to-commit-to-acquisition-of-12-air-tractors-from-us&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107
“Kenya fails to commit to acquisition of 12 Air Tractors from US
Written by Oscar Nkala, Monday, 26 February 2018
The Kenyan Air Force’s (KAF’s) plan to acquire 12 Air Tractor AT-802L counter-insurgency aircraft may have fallen through after Kenya missed two US government deadlines to enter into a binding transaction agreement with the manufacturer.

The order was publicised in January 2017, but the deal was only cleared by the US Senate Congressional Committee on Oversight later in the year. It involves the sale, by US aircraft manufacturer L3 Technologies, to Kenya of 12 armed versions of the AT-802L complete with rocket launchers, machine guns and guided bombs.

According to information from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Kenyan government was required to enter into a binding transaction agreement with the vendor (L3 Technologies) before the sale could go through.

However, Nairobi has since missed two deadlines to sign the binding transaction agreement. GAO Director for Acquisition, Sourcing and Management William Woods said the deal was now being held in abeyance because Kenya missed two mutually agreed deadlines in July and September 2017.

“We have not had any new updates from Kenya. I am not sure if there was ever any further deadline extension beyond the one in September (2017),” Woods told Kenyan media.

To finalise the sale, Kenya was required to sign a formal agreement of acceptance to the offer. This would lay out the administrative and technical details of the deal, including specifications on the number of aircraft to be bought, arms and ammunition configurations, timelines for equipment delivery and final costs per equipment.

According to a US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency announcement made in January 2017, Kenyan sought to purchase 12 militarised AT-802L and two AT-504 trainer aircraft and relevant arms and technical support accessories.

The AT-802Ls, which are configured for low-level counter-insurgency warfare, were meant to be deployed in air-to-ground operations in support of the Kenyan Defence Force (KDF) war against Somali militant group Al Shabaab.

Kenya had asked for the June 2017 offer deadline to be extended to September, after national elections had taken place. The deal was also slowed down by the GAO’s investigation into the matter, which was prompted by the US Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and congressman Ted Budd, who represents the North Carolina-based IOMAX, which is in direct competition with L3 and Air Tractor as it offers the Archangel aircraft. IOMAX alleged that L3 and Air Tractor misrepresented the AT-802L to secure the Kenyan deal.

The GAO subsequently dismissed IOMAX’s complaints, saying that US “Air Force and DSCA [Defence Security Cooperation Agency] officials stated that they did not have any reason to believe that Kenya improperly selected the AT-802L. The Air Force determined that Kenya made a reasonable choice when it selected the AT-802L aircraft.””

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50911:kenya-receives-donated-patrol-boats&catid=108:maritime-security&Itemid=233
« Kenya receives donated patrol boats
Written by Guy Martin, Friday, 02 March 2018
The United States has handed over the last six Metal Shark patrol boats to the Kenyan Navy, bringing the total number delivered to ten.

The US Embassy in Kenya on 27 February said the boats are worth 500 million Shillings ($4.9 million) and were delivered to the Kenyan Navy in Mombasa. “The 10 Metal Shark boats represent the largest US maritime security cooperation program in sub-Saharan Africa. The United States values the Kenyan commitment to building a more peaceful and secure Kenya and East Africa region,” the US Embassy said.

The boats are 33 foot (10 metre) Relentless models, which are powered by twin outboard motors. Metal Shark said the model has been designed to be manoeuvrable, fast and smooth in choppy waters. Standard seating is for two crew, but up to nine people can be carried.

During the handover, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert F Godec said, “Today we reaffirm that the United States is and will remain your steadfast partner in the fight against terrorism and extremism. We are pleased today to make this important contribution to Kenyan and regional security and look forward to the excellent work the Kenya Navy will do with these vessels. The Metal Sharks will bolster the Kenya Navy’s capacity to combat al-Shabaab, an effort that will bring about a more stable and peaceful East Africa.”

The Metal Shark boats will be used to enhance Kenya Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capability and support the Kenyan Blue Economy. The will bolster the Kenya Navy’s capability to deploy Kenyan Rangers and other quick reaction forces from the sea, and to patrol and defend the more than 500 km maritime border. They will help the Kenya Navy, and KDF at large, to continue forward in the fight against terrorism, the Embassy said.





The US Navy has partnered with Kenya for over 40 years and since 2003, the US Department of Defense has provided the Kenya Navy with over 1.7 billion Kenyan shillings ($16.6 million) of hardware assistance and equipment training; 300 million Kenyan shillings ($3 million) of professional development; and 100 million Kenyan shillings ($980 000) of maintenance upgrades for naval equipment.

The US military previously donated several Metal Shark boats to Cabo Verde and Senegal to enhance maritime security and combat drug trafficking. Two 38 foot (11.5 m) Defiant class patrol boats were handed over to the Senegalese Navy on 8 February 2018 and five 21 foot Relentless class patrol boats were delivered to the Cabo Verde Maritime Police in December 2017. The US will donate more boats to both countries over the next two years.”

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51031:african-arms-imports-down&catid=7:Industry&Itemid=116

“African arms imports down
Written by defenceWeb, Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Over the last decade, African arms imports dropped by 22 per cent, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), but Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria continued to order large quantities of weapons and equipment.

In its Trends in International Arms Transfers 2017 fact sheet released this week, SIPRI said that African arms sales dropped 22% between 2008-12 and 2013-17. Much of the hardware that was supplied went to Algeria (52% of African arms imports), Morocco (12%) and Nigeria (5.1%).

“Major arms play an important role in the military operations by sub-Saharan African states, although, due to lack of resources, procurement typically involves small numbers of mainly relatively low-end weapons,” SIPRI said.

States in sub-Saharan Africa received 32% of total African imports in 2013–17. The top five arms importers in sub-Saharan Africa were Nigeria, Sudan, Angola, Cameroon and Ethiopia. Together, they accounted for 56% of arms imports to the subregion. Nigeria’s arms imports grew by 42 % between 2008–12 and 2013–17, SIPRI noted.

Russian arms exports to Africa fell by 32% compared with 2008–12, but despite the decrease, Russia accounted for 39% of total imports to the region. Algeria received 78% of Russia’s arms transfers to Africa in 2013–17.

China’s arms exports to Africa rose by 55% between 2008–12 and 2013–17, and its share of total African arms imports increased from 8.4% to 17%. “A total of 22 sub-Saharan African countries procured major arms from China in 2013–17, and China accounted for 27% of sub-Saharan African arms imports in that period (compared with 16% in 2008–12). In North Africa, China became an important supplier to Algeria in 2013–17, with deliveries including three frigates and artillery,” SIPRI reported.

The United States accounted for 11% of arms exports to Africa in 2013–17 - the transfers were mainly small batches of weapons and included eight helicopters for Kenya and five for Uganda, which were supplied as US military aid. In 2013–17 Kenya—which is fighting al-Shabab on its own territory and in Somalia— acquired 13 transport helicopters, 2 second-hand combat helicopters, 65 light armoured vehicles and a small number of self-propelled howitzers.

SIPRI lists Egypt’s acquisitions as falling under the Middle East – if these are included in the continent’s statistics they push up Africa’s imports significantly as arms imports by Egypt grew by 215% between 2008–12 and 2013–17.

SIPRI noted that the US has been Egypt’s main arms supplier since the late 1970s, and accounted for 45% of Egypt’s arms imports in 2008–12. “However, between 2013 and 2015 the US halted deliveries of certain arms, in particular combat aircraft, to Egypt. In 2014 Egypt signed major arms deals with France, and deliveries started in 2015. As a result, France accounted for 37 % of Egypt’s arms imports in 2013–17 and overtook the USA to become the main arms supplier to Egypt for that period. This was despite the fact that the USA ended its restrictions in 2015 and increased its overall arms supplies to Egypt by 84% between 2008–12 and 2013–17.”

Globally, SIPRI in its latest report said that the volume of international transfers of major weapons in 2013–17 was 10% higher than in 2008–12, a continuation of the upward trend that began in the early 2000s.

The five largest exporters in 2013–17 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China. The United States in 2013-17 had a 34% share of the global market, followed by Russia (22%), France (6.7%), Germany (5.8%) and China (5.7%).

The USA supplied major arms to 98 states in 2013–17. Exports to states in the Middle East accounted for 49 per cent of total US arms exports in that period. “Based on deals signed during the Obama administration, US arms deliveries in 2013–17 reached their highest level since the late 1990s,” said Dr Aude Fleurant, Director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. “These deals and further major contracts signed in 2017 will ensure that the USA remains the largest arms exporter in the coming years.”

The five largest importers were India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China. Most states in the Middle East were directly involved in violent conflict in 2013–17 and consequently arms imports by states in the region increased by 103% between 2008–12 and 2013–17, and accounted for 32% of global arms imports in 2013–17.

“Widespread violent conflict in the Middle East and concerns about human rights have led to political debate in Western Europe and North America about restricting arms sales,” said Pieter Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. “Yet the USA and European states remain the main arms exporters to the region and supplied over 98% of weapons imported by Saudi Arabia.”

SIPRI said the flow of arms to the Middle East and Asia and Oceania increased between 2008–12 and 2013–17, while there was a decrease in the flow to the Americas, Africa and Europe.”

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Kenya orders C-27J transport, AW139 helicopters

Written by Oscar Nkala, Friday, 29 June 2018



A C-27J Spartan.The Kenyan government has ordered a C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and an undisclosed number of AW139 helicopters from Italy to boost the operational capabilities of its Air Force and Police force.

The previously undisclosed aircraft acquisitions were revealed in a new report submitted last week to the parliamentary public accounts committee by Kenyan Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich.

The acquisitions were made between November 2017 and February 2018 and funded from loans advanced to Treasury by private banks. According to the report, the C-27J Spartan military aircraft was acquired for Sh20 billion (S$198 448 276) from an Italian aircraft manufacturer.

It was secured through a loan advanced to Treasury by the Unitcredit Spa Bank on 11 December 2017. Rotich said treasury secured another Sh6 billion (51 854 681 euros) from the same bank to fund the purchase of an undisclosed number of AW139 helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters.

He said the aircraft loans will only be repaid starting on 11 June 2019. The report also revealed that on 4 December 2017, Treasury and the ING Bank signed separate loan agreements for 45 917 680 euros and 8 783 120 euros to fund the acquisition and installation of a Damen 4 000 tonne slipway at the Kenyan navy base in the Mtongwe coastal area of Mombasa.

“This loan was advanced to help improve naval security surveillance along the Kenyan coast," Rotich stated in the report. The loan will also cover the construction of second runway to handle larger aircraft at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

No timeline was given for the completion of upgrading works at the naval base in Mtongwe and delivery of the C-27J Spartan.

Four AW139 helicopters were this week delivered to the Kenyan National Police Service Air Wing by Leonardo Helicopters.

They will be used in public order policing, security and surveillance and VIP transport operations. However, it remains unclear if these were part of the batch ordered by the government in December last year.

NPS Air Wing (Nairobi) director Rogers Mbithi told members of the parliamentary portfolio committee on national security that the helicopters were acquired at a cost of Sh4 billion.

He told MPs who queried why parliament was not notified of the procurement that the police believe it was above board as it was authorised by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Karanja Kibicho and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Joseph Boinnet.

“As the Air Wing, we only gave (equipment) specifications and left the rest of the acquisition procedures to the Ministry (of Interior) and the National Police Service,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mbithi said the Air Wing is stuck with two other broken-down helicopters. The aircraft can no longer gain KCAA certification to fly because they are no longer insured.

Because the Kenyan police air wing does not have the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) status accorded by the KCAA, its helicopters are serviced at a cost by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Mbithi said the organisation is on course to begin servicing its own aircraft

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52216:kenya-orders-c-27j-transport-aw139-helicopters&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

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“Kenyan Navy receives KNS Shujaa after refit

Written by defenceWeb, Thursday, 05 July 2018

The Kenyan Navy has taken delivery of the refurbished vessel Shujaa after it spent 21 months undergoing a midlife refit at Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands.

The Kenya Ministry of Defence said the vessel arrived home on 3 July and was received by Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Raychelle Omamo in Mombasa.

Photographs show it had its 76 mm main gun removed – this may be reinstalled now that the vessels is back in Kenya.

As part of its journey home, the KNS Shujaa (Hero) docked in Port Said in Egypt on 12 June. The Kenyan Ministry of Defence said the KNS Shujaa, captained by Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Lekolool, has a crew of 61 sailors that had been at sea since 21 May.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has facilitated the practical tours and training programme of our defence forces, as part of strengthening Kenya’s security in general, and maritime capabilities in particular,” the ministry said.

KNS Shujaa was part of the Kenyan fleet that took over Kismayu from the Al shabab in September 2012 along with the KNS Nyayo, KNS Umoja, KNS Galana and the KNS Jasiri, which landed troops in the town.

The vessel is one of two Shupavu class large patrol boats built by Gondan shipyard in Spain – the sister ship is the KNS Shupavu. They were acquired in 1997 to replace older vessels and are armed with 76 and 30 mm guns.

In 2001 Kenya sent the Shujaa to India to take part in its International Fleet Review along with the KNS Nyayo.”



http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52279:kenyan-navy-receives-kns-shujaa-after-refit&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106

Citation :

Kenya : enfin une femme promue au grade de général



John Ndinga Ngoma  13/07 - 00:00


Il était une fois Fatumah Ahmed. Cette militaire devient la première femme kényane à être promue au grade de général de division.

Chaînes de radio, de télévision, réseaux sociaux…. Les médias sociaux mobilisés ce vendredi autour d’une cérémonie. Certains en ont même fait ce que les anglophones appellent « Breaking news ».

Une mobilisation qui aura valu son pesant d’or. Tant il fallait faire découvrir très vite cette Kényane qui devient la première femme du pays à accéder au grande de général de division.

D’autres Africaines déjà promues

En collant ce précieux galon sur les épaules de la dame, le président Uhuru Kenyatta a sans doute voulu renvoyer l’ascenseur à une femme dont le parcours au sein de l’armée de l’air kényane aura été des plus brillants. Ainsi qu’en témoignent de nombreux diplômes dont le doctorat en gestion obtenu au Collège de la Défense Nationale et de l’Institut de Diplomatie et D‘Études Internationales.

Elle n’avait jamais rêvé de faire carrière dans les métiers des armes. Fatumah Ahmed est entrée dans l’armée dans les années 1980. Elle venait d’achever ses études secondaires quand, à la suite d’une campagne de recrutement, la jeune étudiante a choisi d’intégrer les forces armées kényanes.

Fatumah Ahmed, la Malienne Kani Diabaté et l’Ivoirienne Akissi Kouamé ainsi que les Algériennes dont les Algériennes Fatma-Zohra Ardjoun font partie du cercle très restreint des femmes africaines générales.

http://fr.africanews.com/2018/07/13/kenya-enfin-une-femme-promue-au-grade-de-general/?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=AfricanewsFR&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1531506583

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52403:kenyan-police-acquire-tygra-apc&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105
“Kenyan police acquire Tygra APC
Written by defenceWeb, Tuesday, 17 July 2018
The Kenyan Police Service is operating the Tygra armoured personnel carrier manufactured by Mezcal in the United Arab Emirates.

A Tygra was seen in the Turkana area of Kenya in late June after residents blocked roads in protest against lack of investment and opportunities from oil companies. The Kenyan police were called in as a result, and a Tygra was subsequently observed with a weapons turret.

It is not clear how many Tygras have been delivered.

The Tygra is based on the Toyota Landcruiser 70 and modified with B6+ armour. It is powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine developing 380 hp and giving a top speed of 120 km/h. It can seat up to eight persons. A V-shaped hull is designed to withstand blasts equivalent to 8 kg of TNT. Weapons options include remotely controlled turrets with 7.62 or 12.7 mm machineguns. Dual air conditioners are designed to keep temperatures inside to manageable levels.

In recent years the Kenya Police Service has taken delivery of a large number of new vehicles, with deliveries accelerating in 2017 before the presidential elections. Some of the new equipment received last year included at least six South Korean Jino riot control vehicles (joining more than ten others), firearms, ammunition and teargas.

The Kenyan Police Service also recently received 43 Toyota Landcruiser 4X4 patrol vehicles in single-cab configuration. The vehicles were donated by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and they will be used for policing operations in and around the Dadab and Kakuma refugee camps.

In January 2017 the Kenyan Police Service officially received 500 vehicles, including 25 Chinese-made CS/VP3 Mine-Resistant Ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs), light trucks and saloons. In February 2016, the Kenyan police received 30 Norinco VN4 4x4 armoured vehicles from China for use in anti-terror, peacekeeping and police missions by the General Service Unit. The Kenya Police Service now has nearly 3 000 security vehicles in its fleet.

The police Air Wing is also being modernised, and on 29 June officially received three new rotorcraft from Leonardo Helicopters, including two AW139s and a single SW-4. One of the aircraft is configured for VIP operations and another is fitted with a surveillance camera. It is believed Kenya ordered the helicopters at a cost of Sh4 billion ($39 million). The acquisitions bring the fleet to 11 helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft. The Kenyan police had another AW139 in service (5Y-NPS) but this was destroyed in a crash in September 2016. Another recent acquisition was a single Mi-17V-5 (5Y-DCI) delivered in March 2017.”

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53025:kenya-acquires-fennec-helicopters&catid=124:military-helicopters&Itemid=282
« Kenya acquires Fennec helicopters
Written by defenceWeb, Thursday, 06 September 2018
The Kenya Defence Force has apparently taken delivery of eight Fennec light helicopters from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will be used in its efforts against al Shabaab militants.

Photos of at least four single-engine AS550 Fennecs (H125s) without their main rotor blades were published by The Kenyan Daily Post on 4 September. The Kenyan Air Force roundel can be seen on one of the helicopters. The publication said the aircraft were acquired from the UAE and their grey paint scheme matches those of UAE aircraft.

The UAE’s Army Aviation Brigade and the Air Force’s Special Operations Command operate a number of AS550C3 Fennec helicopters but little is known about them.

If confirmed, the Fennecs appear to be the latest in a series of procurements. In June this year it emerged that Kenya had ordered three Leonardo C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Italy in 2017, with deliveries in 2019, most likely replacing its de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalos.

Kenya also ordered a number of AW139 helicopters in a separate deal and in December last year displayed two second hand AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters acquired from Jordan. It is not clear how many were acquired – at least three Cobras have been spotted.”

Citation :

MD Helicopters receives order for six Kenyan MD530Fs


Written by defenceWeb, Monday, 01 October 2018



An MD530F.MD Helicopters has received an order to deliver six MD530F Cayuse Warrior armed light helicopters for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), after Kenya requested 12 of the type in May 2017.

Arizona-based MD Helicopters on 27 September said it had received a second Delivery Order issued against its five-year, $1.4 billion light scout attack helicopter IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract from the US government on Kenya’s behalf. The firm, fixed-price includes initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment.

The contract was awarded through U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Initial deliveries will take place in April 2019, with all aircraft delivered prior to the August 2019 contract completion date, MD Helicopters said.

“We look forward to delivering these MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Kenya Defence Forces, enhancing their ability to provide close air support and over-watch for ground operations,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters.

The IDIQ contract vehicle ensures an estimated quantity of up to 150 armed MD530F Cayuse Warrior and/or MD530G attack helicopters are available to US and Partner Nation Military Forces. With the issuance of Delivery Order 2, MD Helicopters is currently under contract to deliver a total of 36 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters. The first delivery order was for MD530s for the Afghan Air Force – deliveries of these started on 8 August 2018.

MD Helicopters said that in addition to an advanced, all-glass cockpit and ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, Kenya’s MD530F Cayuse Warrior fleet will be outfitted with the full complement of mission equipment standard to the Cayuse Warrior. This includes:

FN Herstal Weapons Management System
DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS)
DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System
62mm ballistic armour protection
FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods
M260 7-shot rocket pods

The KDF’s six armed MD 530F aircraft will also include an enhanced communication system that features the Harris RF-7850A tactical radio and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D.

In May 2017 Kenya requested the purchase of 12 MD530F helicopters from the United States, at a proposed cost of $253 million including weapons, ammunition and support. At the time, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the deal would include 24 Heavy Machine Gun Pod (HMP) 400 systems; 24 M260 rocket launchers; 4 032 M151 rockets; 1 536 2.75-inch M274 smoke signature warhead rockets; and 400 000 rounds of .50 calibre ammunition.

“The proposed sale of the MD 530F helicopters, weapons, ammunition, support items and technical support will advance Kenya’s efforts to conduct scout and attack rotary wing aircraft operations in support of their AMISOM mission. The MD 530F will also replace Kenya’s aging MD500 fleet, which is the current reconnaissance platform supporting Kenyan ground forces. This sale will significantly enhance the Kenyan Army’s modernization efforts and increase interoperability with the US Armed Forces and other partners in the region. Additionally, a strong national defence and dedicated military force will assist Kenya in its efforts to maintain stability in East Africa,” the DSCA said.

The MD530F as an evolution of the OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter that goes back to the Vietnam War. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turboshaft engine producing 317 kW at takeoff and giving a cruise speed of 248 km/h with a maximum range of 430 km and a service ceiling of 5 700 m. The helicopter can carry a 980 kg external load.

The armed MD530F has been deployed by the Afghan Air Force since 2011.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53267:md-helicopters-receives-order-for-six-kenyan-md530fs&catid=124:military-helicopters&Itemid=282

KNS Jasiri

F5E Tiger II .. l'armée de l'air travaille sur la modernisation de cette flotte (dont la majorité encore en service provient des stocks Jordanien) au standard F5EM (brésilien) .. sinon aucun programme pour le remplacement

Citation :

US donates Bastion armoured vehicles to Kenya


Written by defenceWeb, Tuesday, 20 November 2018



Bastion vehicles donated to Kenya.The United States has donated 12 Bastion armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Kenya Defence Force to help secure its borders and promote peace in the region.

The vehicles were handed over to Deputy Kenya Army Commander Major General Thomas Chepkuto on 19 November at Kahawa Barracks by US Defense Attaché and Senior Defense Official Colonel Kevin Balisky.

The APCs will support KDF’s efforts in the fight against extremists, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), along the border region. Defeating the threat of IEDs is a critical component of denying violent extremists freedom of movement, the US Embassy in Nairobi said.

“These vehicles represent the unwavering U.S. commitment to Kenya and our shared national security interests. As the KDF continues to conduct daily operations against violent extremism, these vehicles will enhance the mobility and force protection of their troops in harm’s way. We are proud to be friends and partners with the KDF as they secure and develop peace in the border region,” said Balisky.

The United States is currently providing a three-week train-the-trainer course for Kenya Army operators and maintainers of the Bastion APCs.

The United States has donated Bastion vehicles to African nations before, and in September 2015 the US Department of Defence ordered Acmat Bastion vehicles for Somalia (32), Uganda (17), Amisom (13), Tunisia (4), Cameroon (15) and Ethiopia (12).

The Bastion range of tactical armoured vehicles features STANAG 4569 protection and can carry ten to 12 people. They are based on the VLRA TDN-TDE platform for easy maintenance and logistics. The Bastion APC is configured for troop transport while the Bastion

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53795:us-donates-bastion-armoured-vehicles-to-kenya&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105

KNS SHUJAA P3130 .. en escale à Malte de retour au Kenya après une période de modernisation chez Damen

Citation :

Why are the Cobras not striking?
Posted 20 June 2019 · Add Comment

Issues are arising surrounding the Kenya Air Force (KAF) Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters, writes Jon Lake.


In October 2018, Kenya’s Daily Nation asked why the KAF’s recently acquired Cobras were not “out biting Al Shabaab”, or being used to support the country’s contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The KAF received a number of former Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) AH-1Fs (probably six) in 2017. Images and videos of an AH-1 in full KAF camouflage and markings being unloaded at Laikipia Air Base appeared online at the end of May 2017. And, in June 2017, a further video emerged showing the helicopter undertaking its first test flight after reassembly.
But, since then, the new Cobras have not flown any operational missions, despite increased tension on the border with Somalia, and despite continuing activity by Al Shabab insurgents.
The Daily Nation quoted a Kenyan Defence Forces spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Njuguna, as describing the lack of operational flying as “normal”, and as disputing claims that the helicopters had been grounded. He explained the lack of operational activity by saying that pilot training and conversion was still ongoing.
But the Daily Nation said that KAF officers had claimed that there was now a pool of qualified pilots who had successfully trained to fly the Cobras.
A range of other reasons have been postulated for the lack of operational flying, including a lack of spare parts and ‘appropriate ammunition’, while others have claimed that the aircraft are not airworthy, and that their allegedly poor condition is being hushed up by the military.
There were some reports that the Cobras delivered to Kenya were among 16 aircraft withdrawn from use in Israel in August 2013 because they were supposedly “unsafe to fly”, and transferred to Jordan in mid-2015. These aircraft were supposedly given to Jordan to be stripped to provide spare parts for the RJAF’s own AH-1s. But, in fact, the Israeli AH-1s were transferred for active use against Daesh, and the aircraft supplied to Kenya were, in any case, not ex-Israeli helicopters (which all seem to be accounted for), but were from the RJAF’s own long-term fleet.
One theory for the lack of activity is a turf war between the Kenya Air Force and the Army’s 50th Air Cavalry Division over which service will operate the new helicopters.

https://www.africanaerospace.aero/why-are-the-cobras-not-striking-.html

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Kenya looks for MILES combat simulation

Jeremy Binnie, London - Jane's Defence Weekly

27 August 2019


Kenya is considering acquiring a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) to enhance its training, according to a market research notice posted on the US Federal Business Opportunities website on 21 August.

The notice indicated that Kenya is looking for companies that can provide 132 individual weapon system (IWS) kits for a US Army-approved version of the MILES, as well as support equipment, training, and other services.

If it moves forward, the procurement would be made under the US military’s Building Partnership Capacity programme.

Analysis

MILES uses lasers attached to weapons that emit beams that are detected by the sensors attached to other participants in the simulation when fired accurately.

https://www.janes.com/article/90673/kenya-looks-for-miles-combat-simulation

Citation :

07/02/2020

Premiers C-27J « Spartan » pour le Kenya !



Le Kenya a réceptionné ses deux premiers avions de transports tactiques Leonardo C-27J « Spartan ». Au total le pays disposera de trois appareils portant sur une commande estimée à 200 millions de dollars.

Les deux appareils ont atterri à Nairobi, la capitale du Kenya, le 30 janvier dernier. Aucun détail sur le calendrier de livraison du troisième avion n'est disponible. La version des C-27J destinée au Kenya est dotée du cockpit avec écrans EFIS, d’une avionique mise à jour et équipé d’un transpondeur IFF mode 5.

Cependant, les C-27J de l’armée de l’air kenyane ne disposent pas des « Winglets » qui sont également disponibles pour l’avion.

Leonardo C-27J « Spartan » :

Le C-27J « Spartan » est un aéronef à voilure fixe de transport tactique léger polyvalent pour diverses missions. Particulièrement maniable et polyvalent, le robuste C-27J offre un rapport poids puissance le plus élevé de sa catégorie avec la capacité d'effectuer des manœuvres sous un facteur de charge de l’ordre de 3G, permettant des virages serrés et une montée rapide, ainsi que la descente.

Il offre la capacité unique de faire varier la hauteur plancher, afin d’ajuster en permanence celui-ci pour faciliter le chargement et le déchargement de grands volumes, ainsi que les charges utiles à haute densité sans équipement de soutien au sol et en facilitant le «drive-in/out» de véhicules, afin qu'ils puissent être utilisés immédiatement.

Le C-27J offre un niveau élevé de sécurité et un taux imbattable de disponibilité particulièrement haut. Le C-27J décolle sur environ 1900 pieds sur une surface non goudronnée. Dans un environnement tactique, l'avion est capable de monter à 10.000 pieds en 3 minutes, en descendant à partir de 10.000 pieds en moins de 2,5 minutes. Avec une masse à l'atterrissage maximale, le C-27J à une course au sol de moins de 1115 pi.

Photo : C-27J « Spartan » kenyan @ Flavio Renzi

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2020/02/07/premiers-c-27j- spartan -pour-le-kenya -868610.html

Citation :

Israeli TAVOR bullpup assault rifle becomes standard combat rifle of Nigerian Air Force Regiment

May 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 15 May 2020 08:55


According to the Twitter account Defense News Nigeria, the Israeli-made Tavor bullpup assault rifle becomes the standard combat rifle of the Nigerian Air Force Regiment. The Tavor is designed and produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is produced in two main variants: the TAR-21 and the CTAR-21.


The Israeli-made Tavor becomes the standard assault rifle of Nigerian Air Force Regiment.
(Picture source Twitter account Defense News Nigeria)

The Tavor is also used by the Nigerian State Security Service as a primary assault rifle for their close protection and tactical units replacing the Uzi. It is also used by the Nigerian Navy.

The Tavor-21 is a bullpup design assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO caliber with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode and full automatic fire mode. This weapon was developed and designed by the Israeli Company IWI (Israel Weapon Industries).

The Tavor uses a bullpup configuration, in which the receiver, bolt carrier group, and magazine are placed behind the pistol grip. This shortens the firearm's overall length without sacrificing barrel length. As a result, the Tavor provides carbine overall length, yet can achieve rifle muzzle velocities if equipped with a rifle-length barrel.

The Tavor is primarily chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, although 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm Russian models are also available. The Israeli Defence Forces use both 3.6-gram (55 gr) M193 and 4.0-gram (62 gr) M855 5.56×45mm rounds. M193 rounds are used by regular infantrymen for better terminal effects at shorter distances, while the heavier M855 is used by sharpshooters. The Tavor accepts standard STANAG magazines.

The TAVOR in different calibers and configurations is in service with 35 countries from all over the world.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/israeli_tavor_bullpup_assault_rifle_becomes_standard_combat_rifle_of_nigerian_air_force_regiment.html

Citation :

Scramble Magazine

A Kenya Air Force Harbin Y-12-II (serial 128, msn 0097) suffered an accident at Dhobley Airstrip in
Somalia, on 4 August 2020.

There were no serious injuries to the ten people on board, but the aircraft was seriously damaged.
The landing gear collapsed while the lefthand wing cracked at the base and near the wing tip.

The accident happened after the aircraft had taken off from Dhobley Airstrip after delivering supplies
to UN Amisom forces (African Union Mission to Somalia).

Citation :

Kenya Air Force Receives Third C-27J Transport Plane

 04:36 PM, November 3, 2020


Kenyan C-27J aircraft delivered in January 2020.


Kenya Air Force has received all three ordered C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft.

The final aircraft resumed test flights in Italy in May and arrived in Kenya at the beginning of October, where it was handed over in an official ceremony on 2 October. This was attended by Commander of the Kenyan Air Force, Major General Francis Ogolla, and the Italian Ambassador, Alberto Pieri, defenceWeb reported today, citing Italian Embassy in Kenya.

The plane was held back in Italy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leonardo delivered first two Spartans in January this year. The first Kenyan C-27J was spotted at Leonardo’s facility in Turin, Italy, in September 2018 and a second joined it six month later. Kenya ordered a three aircraft in late 2017. The acquisition is being financed through a loan taken from Italy’s Unicredit SpA worth 198 million for the three aircraft. Kenya’s C-27Js will be equipped with winglets and a new avionics suite meeting civil and military requirements.

Kenya is the fourth African nation to order the C-27J after Morocco, Chad and Zambia. Other customers include the Air Forces of Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, United States, Mexico, Australia, Peru and Slovakia.

The C-27J ‘Spartan’ was developed using engines and systems of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. It first flew on 24 September 1999.

The Spartan aircraft can carry up to 60 troops and upto of 46 paratroopers. In the medical role 36 stretchers and six attendants can be carried. Maximum payload is estimated at 10 tons.

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28232/Kenya_Air_Force_Receives_Third_C_27J_Transport_Plane#.X6Gma6bbLIU

Citation :

JAN 26

Kenya purchases 118 Hizir APCs from Turkey

Kenya’s Department of Defense has cleared the procurement of 118 Hizir armored personnel carriers from Turkey at a price of nearly $70 million, Andrew Wasike reports on AA.com.


Katmerciler Hizir 4x4 armored vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)

http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2021/01/kenya-purchases-118-hizir-apcs-from.html

Citation :

 Kenya Air Force commissioned newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft

Aviation Defense News April 2021 aerospace air force industry

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 2021 10:35

On April 21, The Kenya Air Force (KAF) commissioned the newly acquired C-145 Skytruck aircraft . The event was presided over by the Commander
Kenya Air Force (KAF) Major General Francis Ogolla at Moi Air Base (MAB), Eastleigh.


Kenya Air Force commissioned newly acquired C 145 Skytruck 01The new C-145 Skytruck (Picture source: Kenya MoD)


The C-145 Skytruck which is intended to phase out the Y-12 aircrafts, was acquired through Excess Defence Article (EDA) after the signing of the Kenya United States Liason Office (KUSLO) agreement by the two Governments on 4 April 2017.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, Commander KAF expressed gratitude to the US government for the acquisition that will go a long way in enhancing the mission readiness of the Kenya Air Force.

“ It is a great day today as we introduce the C-145 Skytruck Aircraft (KAF 2001).

This aircraft will not be in the Service for display but to enhance the capability of our air support to our sister Services,” said Maj Gen Ogolla.

C-145 Skytruck Aircraft is a variant M28 with a capacity of nineteen. The C-145 is more modified with a stronger engine, it has a short take-off and landing capability, picks height faster and has a bigger cargo capacity. The aircraft is a multi-purpose aircraft, that can be used for VIP and passenger transportation, cargo transportation, paradrop, insertion as well as casualty evacuation. The Commander thanked the US government for considering Kenya’s bid for this acquisition.

The US Defence Air Attachee to Kenya Major Matthew Yan while making his remarks thanked the Kenyan Government for the mutual cooperation and assured of continued support from the US Government. He summed up acquisition of the aircraft using a common Swahili phrase ‘haba na haba hujaza kibaba’.

Present at the ceremony were Base Commander Moi Air Base Brigadier Peter Githinji, US Defence Mobile Training Team (MTT), KAF Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.

https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/april/7231-kenya-air-force-commissioned-newly-acquired-c-145-skytruck-aircraft.html