A press release by the United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency has confirmed that Kenya will purchase 12 weaponised helicopters from the US government at a cost of Sh26 Billion .
The statement dated May 2, 2017 indicated that the government of Kenya had requested to buy 12 MD-530F helicopters, weapons, ammunition, support items and technical support.
The deal purchase will, however, be completed if the US Congress approves the deal.
The modern helicopters will advance Kenya’s efforts to conduct scout and attack rotary wing aircraft operations in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) against the Al Shabaab militants.
The MD 530F will also replace Kenya’s ageing MD500 fleet, which is the current reconnaissance platform supporting Kenyan ground forces in the fight against the terrorists.
The statement to the Congress further indicated that the proposed sale was yet to be concluded assuring that it would not have adverse impact on US defence readiness.
Pictured below is one of the MD-530F helicopters used by the US in Afghanistan.
