This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is set to receive six brand new attack helicopters from the US by December 2019, as part of a KSh 25 billion deal between Kenya and the US to supply KDF with 12 aircraft.
The deal was approved by Congress in May 2017.
The MD 530 Cayuse Warrior, a sophisticated attack helicopter, comes equipped with advanced war, navigation, and communication systems.
Among the systems featured in the MD 530F choppers are the Herstal Weapons Management System, the DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS), and the DillonAero fixed-forward sighting system.
The choppers also come with 62 mm ballistic armour protection, FN Herstal 12.7 mm HMP 400 machine gun pods, and M260 seven-shot pods for 70 mm rockets, as reported by UK-based IHS Jane's Defence Weekly magazine.
Additionally, the MD 530F choppers feature the Harris RF-7850A and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D radios for advanced communication.
According to MD Helicopters, Inc. CEO Lynn Tilton, the planes will be pivotal in boosting the country's security.
"We are pleased MD Helicopters was selected to provide mentorship, maintenance expertise, and Pilot and Maintainer training to the Kenya Defence Forces," Tilton said in a statement dated Friday, September 13.
MD Helicopters also assured that the planes will offer the highest level of security and guaranteed operational excellence.
"Honored to partner with the Kenya Defence Forces and all our U.S. and Allied Nation military operators. We are committed to delivering essential, capability-enhancing aircraft along with the training and support necessary to ensure the highest degrees of safety and operational excellence," MD Helicopters tweeted on Tuesday, September 17.
