Kenya Air Force

Kenya Air Force
Jeshi la Wanahewa
Badge of the Kenya Air Force
Founded1 June 1964; 60 years ago (1964-06-01)
Country Kenya
TypeAir force
RoleAerial warfare
Size149 Aircraft
Part ofKenya Defence Forces
HeadquartersNairobi
Motto(s)
  • Tuko Imara Angani
  • "We are firm in the sky"
Engagements
Websitemod.go.ke/kenya-air-force/
Commanders
Commander-in-ChiefPresident Dr. William Samoei Ruto
Commander of the Air ForceMajor General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Aircraft flown
FighterNorthrop F-5
HelicopterMil Mi-28[1] Mil Mi-171, SA330 Puma, Bell UH-1, Eurocopter AS350, AgustaWestland AW139
Attack helicopterBell AH-1
ReconnaissanceCessna 208
TrainerScottish Aviation Bulldog, Short Tucano, Grob G 120
TransportDHC-5, Harbin Y-12, C-27J Spartan, Fokker 70, Bombardier Dash 8, C-145 Skytruck

The Kenya Air Force (KAF) or Swahili: Jeshi la Wanahewa[citation needed] is the national aerial warfare service branch of the Republic of Kenya.

The main airbase operating fighters is Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, while Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi is the headquarters. Other bases include Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mombasa (Moi International Airport), FOB Mandera, FOB Wajir & FOB Nyeri (mainly helicopters/small planes).

The Kenya Air Force flies some two dozen F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, a dozen Tucano trainers, half a dozen G120A basic trainers.

Kenya also flies small numbers of other different types, such as Pumas, Mi-17s etc. Recent acquisitions include AW139, AS350 FENNEC,[2] UH-1H helicopters, H124M Fennec,[3] MD530Fs[4] and C-27J Spartan transports.[5]

In 2017 Jordan donated 2 confirmed AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters[6] for the air force; these together with the Army's 50th Air Cavalry helicopters are controlled by the Joint Helicopter Command based at Embakasi Garrison.

  1. ^ "A Look at KDF's Mi-28 Havoc Attack Helicopters Delivered from Russia – Strategic Intelligence Service".
  2. ^ Kenyette, Patrick (5 September 2018). "Kenyan Air Force acquires eight AS350 Fennec helicopters from UAE". Military Africa. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  3. ^ "Kenyan Air Force acquires H125 Écureuil and an AS550C3 Fennec (H125M) from Airbus Helicopter". Military Africa. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  4. ^ Kenyette, Patrick (25 January 2020). "Kenya Defence Forces induct MD 530F helicopters". Military Africa. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  5. ^ Kenyette, Patrick (5 February 2020). "Kenyan Air Force receives two C-27J Spartan tactical airlift aircraft". Military Africa. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  6. ^ Lionel, Ekene (1 June 2017). "Kenyan Air Force acquires AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter secretly". Military Africa. Retrieved 6 February 2020.