Kenya Takes Big Step Forward with Turkish Combat Drones.
Kenya's air force got its first batch of Turkish combat drones. At least six Bayraktar TB2 drones landed in Kenya after its crews trained in Turkey.
The deal marked a key point for both sides. Pictures on social media showed Kenyan teams learning to fly the drones in Turkey last August. Baykar Defence, the Turkish maker, shared news of the sale when the Kenyan pilots finished their classes at the Keşan center.
These drones pack quite a punch. They can stay in the air for 27 hours straight. They carry special bombs guided by lasers. Many say these drones change how modern wars are fought.
Kenya wants to use these drones against threats near its borders. The main target? Al Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The drones will help keep watch and strike when needed.
More African countries want Turkish drones. Niger, Togo, and Ethiopia bought them. These drones cost much less than regular planes - between $2 and $5 million each. That makes them perfect for countries with tight budgets.
The TB2 drones proved themselves in real battles. They helped Azerbaijan win fights, and they made a big difference in Libya. These success stories made other African nations want them.
Kenya already owns various drones, including Turkish Anka-S drones and American Ravens. But these new TB2s show that Kenya is serious about building up its air power.
The purchase brings Kenya and Turkey closer. It shows how Turkish weapons spread across Africa. As fighting groups cause trouble between countries, more nations may buy these cheap but strong drones.
Kenya's air force got its first batch of Turkish combat drones. At least six Bayraktar TB2 drones landed in Kenya after its crews trained in Turkey.
The deal marked a key point for both sides. Pictures on social media showed Kenyan teams learning to fly the drones in Turkey last August. Baykar Defence, the Turkish maker, shared news of the sale when the Kenyan pilots finished their classes at the Keşan center.
These drones pack quite a punch. They can stay in the air for 27 hours straight. They carry special bombs guided by lasers. Many say these drones change how modern wars are fought.
Kenya wants to use these drones against threats near its borders. The main target? Al Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The drones will help keep watch and strike when needed.
More African countries want Turkish drones. Niger, Togo, and Ethiopia bought them. These drones cost much less than regular planes - between $2 and $5 million each. That makes them perfect for countries with tight budgets.
The TB2 drones proved themselves in real battles. They helped Azerbaijan win fights, and they made a big difference in Libya. These success stories made other African nations want them.
Kenya already owns various drones, including Turkish Anka-S drones and American Ravens. But these new TB2s show that Kenya is serious about building up its air power.
The purchase brings Kenya and Turkey closer. It shows how Turkish weapons spread across Africa. As fighting groups cause trouble between countries, more nations may buy these cheap but strong drones.
