United States Approves Sale Of Military Arms To Kenya

The United States government has cleared the sale of 12 new America-made light attack helicopter gunships to the Kenyan government as the East African nation continues to build up its military arsenal in the face of mounting security challenges.Outlined by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 2 May, the deal also cover the provision of armaments including pod-housed cannons, unguided rockets and .50cal machine guns.The US State Department said the deal, which has been approved despite opposition to an earlier weapons purchase deal Kenya had sought from the US government, is estimated to be worth $253 million and includes the provision of MD 530F 'cayuse warrior' light attack helicopters, 24 HMP 400 machine gun pod systems, 24 M260 rocket launcher systems, and assorted ammunition.Kenya would use the helicopters to support its personnel contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia, by conducting "scout and attack rotary-wing operations", according to the DSCA.Also included are communications and navigation equipment, contractor logistics support, training, US 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.