The US and Kenya military cooperation termed as one of the deepest and most important security relationships for the United States in all of Africa continues.
The US Army seeks to acquire a flight simulator for the Kenyan military’s UH-1H Huey II helicopters. There is a possibility of acquiring one for Uganda as well according to notice added to the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website on 14 March.
On this notice, the US Army said it is conducting market research aimed at identifying potential sources having an interest and industry technologies available to support and to provide the Huey II Flight Training Device (FTD) in support of the Republic of Kenya with a potential option for an additional Huey II FTD for the Republic of Uganda.
The FAA Level 5 flight training device should be able to train pilots and co-pilots. An initial 16 pilots would be trained on the simulator.
US delivered the last of eight Huey II helicopters to the Kenyan Air Force in July 2017, in an effort to step-up war against the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.
According to the notice, Uganda is due to receive five Huey IIs from the US this year (2018) – the aircraft completed their refurbishment in November 2017.
CAPABILITIES
The Huey II helicopters were specifically chosen for their exceptional capacity to operate in hot and high-elevation environments, while being rugged enough to endure extended operations with minimal maintenance.
In addition to the accompanying training and maintenance programs the helicopters will be a valuable addition to the KDF’s fleet.
They will reinforce the KDF’s air assault capability to deploy Kenyan Rangers and other quick reaction forces.
They will provide the KDF with the capacity to deliver much-needed supplies to the front-line and to help save the lives of troops with vital medical evacuations.
Ultimately, they will help the KDF to take a major step forward in the fight against terrorism.
