The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has received eight refurbished MD500 military helicopters in a deal involving the United States and South Korea to strengthen Kenya’s military operations.
The helicopters were handed over on Friday, October 23, at the Kenya Army Aviation Command in Embakasi, Nairobi, following a partnership in which Korea provided the aircraft while the U.S. supported their refurbishment.
The U.S. facilitated the installation of advanced digital systems and helped train Kenyan pilots and technicians to operate and maintain the helicopters.
The MD500s are lightweight, American-developed military helicopters mainly used for surveillance, troop support and light attack missions, depending on their configuration and equipment.
MD500 helicopter receiving a traditional water cannon salute on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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KDF
Their compact design allows them to operate in tight spaces, while some variants of the helicopter carry weapons for armed reconnaissance and light attacks.
Kenya maintains one of the largest operational fleets of MD 500-series helicopters in Africa, which it deploys to among others, operations in Somalia and border surveillance.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the helicopters will improve the KDF’s ability to gather intelligence, provide air support, transport personnel and respond to security threats.
“This milestone reflects Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities through strategic partnerships, international cooperation and sustained investment in national and regional security,” Tuya said.
On the other hand, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri said the helicopters would support both military operations and other duties, including humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping missions.
“The helicopters that we have received today will enhance not only military operations in counterterrorism but also operations other than war, such as peace operations, humanitarian assistance and other roles,” Kahariri stated.
Kahariri also revealed plans to develop supporting infrastructure and operational facilities, including Kenya Air Force facilities outside Nairobi, to strengthen the country’s ability to operate and maintain its military aircraft.
Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to Kenya Kang Hyung-shik said the transfer reflected growing diplomatic, economic and security relations between the two countries, which established diplomatic ties in 1964.
Speaking during the handover, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns said the three-country partnership would help Kenya address security threats in East Africa while supporting international peacekeeping operations.
“Three countries, three continents working together towards a safer, stronger and more prosperous future, that is security cooperation at its best,” Burns said.
Kenyan military officials alongside army officials from the United States and South Korea posing for a photo in Nairobi on Friday, October 23, 2026.
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Republic of Korea Mission to the UN