Kenya to receive 6 military choppers from US ▷ Kenya News

- The six choppers are part of KSh 25 billion deal Nairobi signed with Washington to supply KDF with 12 attack choppers

- Manufacturer MDHI was supposed to deliver the six combat helicopters between April and August

- The MD 530 Cayuse Warrior comes with sophisticated war, navigation and communication systems

- They are envisioned to boost war against outlawed al-Shabaab and will also go along way in replacing the ageing MD 500 helicopters

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is set to receive six brand new attack helicopters from US by December 2019.

The six choppers are part of KSh 25 billion deal penned between Kenya and the world super power to supply KDF with 12 aircraft to and it was approved by Congress in May 2017.

The MD 530 Cayuse Warrior comes with sophisticated war, navigation and communication systems. Photo: MD Helicopter, Inc
Source: Facebook

In a statement MD Helicopters, Inc. CEO Lynn Tilton, said 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,” said Tilton in the statement dated Friday, September 13

The MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD 530F will be fitted with latest combat and communication equipment set to revolutionise how KDF maintains guard and repulse threats.

Among systems the MD 530F choppers come with is the Herstal Weapons Management System; the DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS) and the DillonAero fixed-forward sighting system.

Others are 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

Their sophisticated communication system will feature the Harris RF-7850A and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D radios.

In a separate statement, the manufacturer assured that the planes will offer 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

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