South Korea Donates 8 Retired Military Helicopters to Kenya
South Korea has donated eight decommissioned military helicopters to Kenya to support peacekeeping efforts.
South Korea has donated eight decommissioned military helicopters to Kenya to support peacekeeping efforts.
On October 23, 2026, South Korea officially donated eight retired military helicopters to Kenya, reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and defense partnerships.
The donation ceremony took place at the Kenya Army Corps of Aviation in Nairobi, attended by defense officials from South Korea, the United States, and Kenya, along with members of the local diplomatic community.
These MD 500 Defenders were refurbished in the United States, where they underwent maintenance for approximately two years before being transported to Kenya.
This initiative aligns with South Korea's pledge made during the U.N. peacekeeping ministerial meeting in Seoul in 2021, where it committed to enhancing support for peacekeeping operations across Africa.
The United States has also played a crucial role in this process, promising to assist with the helicopters' maintenance and transportation.
The South Korean defense ministry has expressed its intention to continue expanding contributions to U.N. peacekeeping missions, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in maintaining global peace.
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