Kenya is set to acquire six light choppers from the United States. The choppers are part of a Sh. 25 billion that was signed in May last year.
The six choppers will be the first delivery in a batch of 12 attack helicopters.
Their acquisition, though, is set to shock many. This is because the choppers are being bought at a time when the country is running broke and heavy laden with debts.
In May last year, the US government cleared the purchase of 12 new American made light attack helicopter gunships to boost the Kenya’s military air capabilities.
The new attack helicopters known as MD530F are set to replace ageing MD500 fleet. Kenya’s MD500 helicopters constitute the core of the reconnaissance equipment supporting KDF ground forces especially in the ongoing fight against the Islamist Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.
The deal includes the purchase of 12 MD530F Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopters, machine gun pod systems, rocket launcher systems and assorted ammunition.
According to the sources, U.S Army Security Assistance Command was expected to send Kenya a formal letter of offer and acceptance (LOA).
In total, KDF will receive 12 MD530F weaponries helicopters, 24 heavy machinegun pods, 24 HMP400 machine gun pod systems, 24 M260 rocket pods and 4,032 M151 high-explosive rockets.
Others equipment include 1,536 M274 smoke rockets, 400,000 rounds of .50 calibre ammunition and communications/navigation equipment.