The State Department approved a possible $418 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request to Kenya for Air Tractor aircraft with weapons, and related support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sales Jan. 19.
The request includes up to 12 Air Tractor AT- 802L and two AT-504 trainer aircraft as well as a weapons package, technical support and program management.
The primary contractor is L-3 Communications [LLL]
Kenya would use the equipment in ongoing efforts to counter the al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia, where it also contributes troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
DSCA highlighted in a statement that the sale “provides a needed capability in the ongoing efforts to counter al-Shabaab. The platform maximizes the Kenyan Defense Force’s Close Air Support (CAS) ability because it is a short-field aircraft capable of using precision munitions and cost effective logistics and maintenance.”
The agency also noted the Air Tractor AT- 802L capability supplements Kenya’s aging F-5 aircraft and will he more fiscally efficient and able to be pre-positioned closer to the conflict area than the F-5 fleet.
Implementation of the sale requires the assignment of at least five contractor representatives to Kenya.