Kenya’s fight against terrorist groups is set to be boosted after the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) received specialised training and arsenal from Turkey.
Turkish defense manufacturer Baykar on Friday announced that it would provide Kenya with advanced Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to boost intelligence gathering.
Baykar also announced that Kenyan security personnel had recently completed a specialised training programme at Baykar's pilot training centre in Keşan.
“We congratulate our newly graduated trainees from our friend and brother country, Kenya, who have successfully completed their training on the UCAV #BayraktarTB2,” stated Baykar in a post on X.
The arms maker said UAVs are instrumental in modern-day wars as they boost air power without the vast cost in equipment and years of elite training required to develop a conventional air strike force of manned jets.
The drone’s affordability and effectiveness make it a particularly attractive option for countries with limited defense budgets.
Kenya security forces have been battling to curb infiltration of Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups by deploying boosts to Somalia and closing its borders.
The military relations between Nairobi and Ankara have been formalised and strengthened over the years through various initiatives and agreements.
In 2023, the two nations signed a defence industry cooperation agreement at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul, highlighting their mutual commitment to collaborate on various aspects of defense and security.
Turkey has been particularly active in expanding its defense relations with many African countries, including Kenya.
The Turkish government has provided military training and sold defence equipment, thereby enhancing its influence on the continent.
Turkey’s commitment in Africa is also evident in its involvement in training Somali troops and in its agreements with other African nations to provide security assistance.
Kenya, for its part, has leveraged this relationship to modernise and enhance its military capabilities, as evidenced by the planned acquisition of Baykar's highly sought-after TB2 drones, which have proven effective in various international conflicts.
The Turkish defense ministry has been proactive in showcasing the success of its training programmes, particularly with Somali officers and soldiers.
The Turkish Task Force Command in Somalia, Turkey’s largest overseas military base, has been instrumental in restructuring the Somali army, with around 5,000 Somali soldiers and officers trained to date.
Kenya adds in a list of African nations that have already acquired or expressed interest in the Bayraktar TB2.
The other countries are Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Togo, Niger, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Mali, and Angola.
