MDHI confirms MD 530F deliveries to Kenya by end of year

Kenya will receive all six of the MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior scout and light-attack platforms it ordered in 2018 by the end of this year, the manufacturer confirmed on 13 September.

One of six MDHI MD 530F light attack helicopters for Kenya seen at the manufacturer's facility in Mesa, Arizona, ahead of delivery. (MDHI)

This confirmation, which came as part of a wider sustainment and support contract announcement, means that the much-needed replacement for the Kenyan Army’s ageing MD 500 helicopters will be delivered slightly later than the originally announced April to August window.

Kenya ordered the six helicopters to re-equip the army’s 50th Air Cavalry Battalion. Once fielded, they will be flown against al-Shabaab and in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

According to MDHI’s contract notification for Kenya, the helicopters will be fitted with the FN Herstal Weapons Management System; the DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS); the DillonAero fixed-forward sighting system; 62 mm ballistic armour protection; FN Herstal 12.7 mm HMP 400 machine gun pods; and M260 seven-shot pods for 70 mm rockets. They will also feature an enhanced communication system that includes the Harris RF-7850A and the Rockwell Collins HF-9000D radios.

Kenya has been approved to buy 12 MD 530Fs as part of a wider five-year US Army foreign military sales contract with MDHI for up to 120 helicopters valued at USD1.4 billion.