Thursday January 2, 2025
Kenyan defence officials and Baykar Technologies representatives celebrate the successful delivery and training completion for the Bayraktar TB2 drones at the Baykar Flight Training Center in Turkey. The event highlights the strengthening defense ties between Kenya and Turkey. Courtesy
Mogadishu (HOL) — Kenya has taken delivery of six Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), signalling a major advancement in its counterterrorism strategy. The acquisition is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to modernize its military and address the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants operating along its borders.
The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Turkish defence giant Baykar Technologies, offers state-of-the-art capabilities, including a flight endurance of 27 hours, operational altitudes of 25,000 feet, and precision strike systems. Kenyan personnel completed specialized training at Baykar’s Flight Training Center in Turkey earlier this year, preparing them to deploy drones in high-stakes operations.
According to defence officials, the drones will enhance Kenya’s surveillance and precision targeting capabilities, particularly in remote regions where Al-Shabaab remains active. “This acquisition is a game-changer in addressing security threats along our borders,” said a senior Kenyan defence official.
Kenya joins a growing list of African nations integrating Turkish drone technology into their military arsenals. Countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria have also adopted the Bayraktar TB2 to combat insurgencies and enhance border security. In Somalia, the drones have played a critical role in recent offensives against Al-Shabaab, providing aerial support that has helped reclaim militant strongholds.
The Bayraktar TB2’s affordability—priced between $2 million and $5 million—makes it an attractive option for nations with limited defence budgets. Its operational success in global conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh war and Libya’s civil war, has further solidified its reputation as a cost-effective, reliable asset in modern warfare.
The acquisition spotlights the deepening defence relationship between Kenya and Turkey. Over the past decade, Turkey has emerged as a key defence partner in Africa, establishing its largest overseas military base, Camp TurkSom, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Turkish forces have trained thousands of Somali soldiers and continue to support regional security efforts.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar recently highlighted the role of Turkish drones in shaping modern military operations. “Our technology represents a strategic shift in defence diplomacy, particularly in Africa,” he said.
Kenya's newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones, equipped with advanced surveillance and precision strike capabilities, pictured inside a military hangar. The acquisition marks a significant leap in Kenya’s counterterrorism and defense strategy. Courtesy