Kenya inducts surplus South Korean MD 500 helicopters

Kenya formally received eight refurbished MD 500 Defender light helicopters donated by South Korea at an October 23, 2026, ceremony at the Kenya Army Corps of Aviation in Nairobi. The aircraft were retired from Korean service and underwent approximately two years of U.S.-supported maintenance, upgrades and preparation before arriving in Kenya in September. American assistance also covered digital equipment, pilot and technician training, and transport arrangements under a trilateral partnership. Kenyan officials expect the helicopters to support reconnaissance, mobility, security and peace-support missions, building on a donation commitment associated with United Nations peacekeeping requirements.