Kenya has taken delivery of the first batch of military helicopters promised by the US during the recent state visit of Kenyan President William Ruto.
Two UH-1 Huey military choppers arrived in the African nation earlier this month and are now being assembled by a specialized team of US Air Force technicians in the Embakasi Garrison hangar in Nairobi.
The helicopters will undergo extensive testing before official deployment with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Six more promised Hueys are reportedly set to arrive in the country next month.
Once deployed, the choppers are expected to improve Kenya’s ability to perform counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions.
Major Non-NATO Ally
Developed by Bell, the UH-1 is a multi-purpose utility helicopter that gained popularity during the Vietnam War.
It was used primarily for troop and cargo transport, medical evacuations, and aerial attacks.
The arrival of the rotary-wing aircraft in Nairobi comes as Washington officially designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally.
It is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to obtain this recognition.
The new status is expected to boost ties between the US and Kenya, as well as allow Washington to have greater influence in East Africa.