PHOTOS: KDF Finally Launches Air Force Most 'Lethal' Unit

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has finally formed an elite unit of the Air Force that will be involved in high-risk missions.

According to the KDF, the Special Forces squad launched on Tuesday will undergo a joint 10-day search and rescue exercise code-named EX Linda Rhino, together with their counterparts of the US Air Force.

The ceremony held at the Nanyuki Air Base was presided over by Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo who was accompanied by US Ambassador Bob Godec.

The 'lethal' troops are expected to operate behind the enemy lines to rescue captured soldiers and conduct classified missions similar to those by the US elite forces.

Owing to the secret nature of the unit, faces of the highly skilled soldiers could not be shown to public as KDF avoided releasing pictures bearing the troops.

It is reported that the decision to form the unit was sparked by an incident in which a Kenyan pilot on a mission in Somalia, fell into the hands of Al Shabaab militants after ejecting his seat from a fighter jet that had suffered mechanical problems.

Rescuers reportedly failed to arrive in time hence the capture of the pilot.

“The exercise was conceptualised by the Kenya Air Force, following incidents in Somalia operations where the need for combat search and rescue capabilities were identified. United States Africa Command accepted to support with training,” said an earlier statement by KDF.

Read also: KDF Forms New Unit for High Risk Missions

 

 

 

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