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US to supply Kenya with five helicopters for war on al Shabaab
 The US is set to supply the Kenyan Air Force with five special military helicopters to boost efforts against terrorism.The helicopters militarily known as Huey II Standard are improved versions of the decades-old Bell UH-1H combat operation helicopters. The Bell UH- 1H Huey is a daily workhorse with an expansive cabin providing multi-mission flexibility and a standard seating of 12 people.
Kenya Army has a limited number of helicopters; most of the country’s rotary-winged-lift capabilities are fielded by the Kenya Air Force based in Eastleigh. Sources in the military said the helicopters are destined for Somalia, where KDF soldiers are fighting al Shabaab militants under the African Union peacekeeping mission. The troops need aerial firepower to combat the militants who continue to wage several attacks in Somalia and Kenya. Jane’s World Air Forces (JWAF) said the Kenya Air Force has two Mil Mi-171 ‘Hip’ helicopters, procured in 2010, and 11 Eurocopter SA330 Super Pumas dating back to 1977. Kenya Air Force is the largest and arguably most professional air arm in East Africa, with several dozen MD500 helicopters, mainly in the combat role. It also has several SA 330 Pumas, half a dozen IAR 330 helicopters, eight Z-9s and several armed Mi-171E helicopters. The Z-9s were delivered from China in 2010 and are the armed versions. Defense Web Story Posted by: Steve White 2016-03-25 |
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