US Approves 12 Air Tractor Aircraft, 2 Trainers To Kenya For $418 Million

The US State Department has approved sale of 12 Air Tractor AT- 802L aircraft and two AT-504 trainer aircraft with weapons and related support to the Government of Kenya for $418 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on January 19, 2017.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a strong regional partner who is a regional security leader undertaking critical operations against al-Shabaab and troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The proposed 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 proposed sale supplements Kenya's aging F-5 aircraft as it will be more fiscally efficient and able to be pre-positioned much closer to the conflict area than the F-5 fleet.

The prime contractor will be L-3 Communications. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.