MDHI to support Kenyan MD 530 fleet

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are acquiring six MD Helicopters MD 539F Cayuse Warriors for light scout and attack operations. MDHI

MD Helicopters Incorporated (MDHI) announced on September 13, 2019, that it has been awarded a firm, fixed price contract from the US Army’s Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal, for the support of the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) fleet of MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters.

The contract is awarded on behalf of the Multi-national Aviation Special Project Office (MASPO). It came into effect on September 1, 2019 and terminate on December 30, 2020.

Under the arrangement, MDHI will provide contractor logistics support, contractor field service representatives and training both in the United States and in Kenya.

Transition training will take place at MDHI’s headquarters in Mesa, Arizona and in-country training – which will include armament and gunnery training – will be undertaken at Laikipia Air Base, Kenya.

Lynn Tilton, MDHI CEO, said: “We are pleased MD Helicopters was selected to provide mentorship, maintenance expertise, and pilot and maintainer training to the Kenya Defence Forces. The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is a proven platform for light scout attack combat operations.”

The Kenyan Air Force is acquiring six Cayuse Warriors, which will be delivered by the end of 2019. Weapons will include FN Herstal.50 calibre HMP 400 machine gun pods and M260 seven-shot rocket pods. Nigel Pittaway