Exercise Justified Accord 2025, hosted across Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, marked a pivotal moment in multinational military collaboration, bringing together approximately 1,300 personnel from 15 countries under the leadership of the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).
As US Africa Command’s largest military exercise in East Africa, it aimed to bolster the collective capacity of participating forces to address regional security threats, humanitarian crises, and peacekeeping missions.
This year’s iteration, Kenya’s fourth consecutive time hosting, stood out for its groundbreaking focus on enhancing air-to-ground integration operations, a critical component of modern joint military efforts.
At the core of Justified Accord 2025 was the introduction of the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration (AGI) operations. This milestone saw partner countries taking control of Kenyan air assets to deliver air support to multinational land forces under the challenges of darkness.
Air-to-ground integration refers to the seamless coordination between air and ground units to achieve shared tactical objectives, such as providing aerial cover, conducting reconnaissance, or delivering supplies to troops.
Conducting these operations at night amplified the complexity, demanding advanced equipment, specialized training, and precise communication to navigate reduced visibility. The success of this endeavor highlighted the exceptional skill and interoperability of the participating forces, proving their ability to execute sophisticated joint missions in demanding conditions. This achievement not only elevated the technical proficiency of the coalition but also set a new standard for future multinational exercises in the region.
While the air-to-ground integration operations took center stage, Justified Accord 2025 encompassed a broader scope that reinforced its multifaceted approach to security and community engagement. For instance, US and Kenyan military healthcare providers teamed up for a veterinary civic action program (VETCAP), delivering vital veterinary services to local livestock—a first for the exercise.
Alongside this, a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) provided healthcare to Kenyan civilians, demonstrating a commitment to supporting host communities. These initiatives underscored the exercise’s role in building trust and goodwill, illustrating that regional stability hinges not only on military readiness but also on meaningful engagement with local populations.
The exercise also featured live-fire drills that brought together elite units, including the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, the UK’s 11th SFAB, and the Massachusetts National Guard, alongside the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other NATO allies and regional partners. These activities sharpened joint warfighting capabilities, emphasizing the importance of cohesive operations across diverse forces. The inclusion of such varied units reinforced the exercise’s focus on interoperability, ensuring that multinational coalitions can respond effectively to real-world challenges.
US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises at SETAF-AF, captured the exercise’s strategic significance, stating, “Justified Accord is a critical exercise that brings together our partners to strengthen security and stability in East Africa. Through joint training and collaboration, we enhance our ability to operate effectively together in response to emerging challenges.” KDF Brigadier William Kamwoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and KDF exercise director, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the partnership and the exchange of knowledge. “The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties,” he said, highlighting the practical benefits of the exercise.
The closing ceremony, led by Kenya’s Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda, reaffirmed the exercise’s success. Omenda praised the professionalism of all participants and urged them to apply their newly honed skills in future operations. “When the time comes, you will be required to put the skills you have learned here into practice. It is vital to remember all lessons gained during this exercise,” he emphasized, stressing the real-world value of interoperability in combating shared security threats.
Ultimately, Exercise Justified Accord 2025 transcended technical achievements, fostering deeper bonds among participating nations. As Brigadier Kamwoiro noted, “We have strengthened the bonds that unite us as military personnel in security operations. This exercise serves as a powerful reminder that, regardless of where we come from, we share common security challenges.” The pioneering night air-to-ground integration operations, paired with the exercise’s broader efforts, underscored its dual role in advancing operational readiness and enhancing regional partnerships. By pushing the boundaries of joint military capabilities, Justified Accord 2025 has fortified East Africa’s defense framework, preparing it to meet the region’s evolving security demands.
Last years exercise involved the participation of military personnel from 23 African countries in an effort to strengthen the peacekeeping missions in their respective countries
