Breaking news
Kenya approved to purchase 12 weaponized MD 530F helicopters.
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World Defense & Security News - Kenya
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Kenya approved to purchase 12 weaponized MD 530F helicopters
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The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kenya for MD 530F light helicopters and weapon systems worth $253 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on May 2, 2017.
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 Two MD Helicopters MD 530F light attack and reconnaissance helicopters(Credit: MD Helicopters) |
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The Government of Kenya has requested a possible sale of 12 MD 530F weaponized helicopters to include 24 FN Herstal Heavy Machine Gun Pod (HMP) 400 systems; 24 M260 rocket launchers; 4,032 M151 rockets; 1,536 2.75-inch M274 smoke signature warhead rockets; and 400,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition. Also included are communications and navigation equipment, contractor logistics support, training, U.S. Government technical assistance, airframe and weapon system spare parts support, Contractor Field Service Representative (CFSR) support, and Special Assigned Airlift Mission (SAAM) flight delivery support. The total estimated cost is $253 million.
"This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a strong regional partner who is a regional security leader, undertaking critical operations against al-Shabaab, and a troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)," This FMS will advance Kenya’s efforts to conduct scout and attack rotary wing aircraft operations in support of their AMISOM mission. The MD 530F will also replace Kenya’s aging fleet of about 40 MD 500 helicopters, which is the current reconnaissance platform supporting Kenyan ground forces. |
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