The Kenyan Air Force (KAF) is in urgent need of a capable air superiority aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-5s, acquired decades ago as a stop-gap measure for air defense and aerial control. Over the years, there has been no replacement in sight, despite the clear need for modernization.
In 2015, a senior officer in the Armed Forces of Kenya reported that eight ex-Israeli F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets were delivered to Laikipia Airbase, the KDF’s main air defense facility and the largest in East and Central Africa. However, there has been no sign of these Strike Eagles years later. Currently, the KAF operates about two dozen F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, a dozen Tucano trainers, and half a dozen G120A basic trainers. Additional aircraft in the fleet include Pumas, Mi-17s, AW139s, AS350 Fennecs, UH-1H helicopters, H124M Fennecs, MD530Fs, and C-27J Spartan transports.
Kenya’s interest in Western fighter jets aligns with its pro-Western policies. In May, President Biden announced his intent to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally, the first such designation for a sub-Saharan African country. This designation symbolizes the close relationship between the two nations and signals increased cooperation on security and mutual priorities. This followed a $100 million joint defense deal signed in September last year, aimed at enhancing regional peace and security. Since then, the U.S. has provided armored vehicles, helicopters, and other military equipment to the Kenyan Defence Forces, alongside regular specialized training.
The Kenya Air Force’s motto is “We are firm in the sky” and it is one of the most efficient and best equipped in Africa that does not rely on Russian equipment or support.
Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi Moi Airport, is the headquarters while other bases include forward operating bases (FOB) at Mandera, Wajir and Nyeri.
The Kenya Air Force’s number two squadron flies 17 Northrop F-5EM and four F-5FM Tiger II, from Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, while basic and advanced training is carried out by eight former RAF Scottish Aviation Bulldog 103s, nine Grob G120TPs with two more on order, and 11 Short Tucanos.
Kenyan armed forces are mainly concerned with threats from al-Shabaab fighters from neighbouring Somalia, while its troops are deployed to support the United Nations missions MINUSCA in the Central Africa Republic and MONUSCA in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and with the African Union’s African Transition Mission in Somalia.
Although, Kenya’s neighbors, Uganda and Ethiopia, operate fourth-generation multirole fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-30, which outmatch Kenya’s F-5Es in terms of combat radius and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. This is in addition to Su-27s and MiGs operated by air forces in the region.
The F-5 has been the main air defense fighter for the KAF since 1978. A total of 29 F-5s were delivered: 12 F-5Es and two F-5Fs from the U.S., and 10 F-5Es, three F-5EMs, and two F-5Fs from the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), upgraded to F-5EM standard before delivery. Despite the presence of more advanced aircraft in neighboring countries, the KAF retains the F-5 fighters due to their cost-effectiveness, familiarity, and the operational role they serve.
The F-5 is relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain compared to more advanced fighters, making it a viable option for Kenya, which may face budget constraints. The KAF’s long-standing familiarity with the F-5 also minimizes training and logistical challenges. While the F-5 primarily serves air defense and ground attack missions, it still meets current operational requirements.
However, if Kenya were to replace its F-5 jets, several options could make sense. A fourth-generation NATO multirole fighter would be a logical upgrade, with candidates including the Swedish Saab Gripen, the Dassault Rafale, and the French Mirage. Alternatively, looking east, options such as the Chinese J-11, the Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, or the Russian Su-30 could provide the necessary range and weaponry to meet and surpass Kenya’s military requirements.
In conclusion, while the F-5 remains a fast, nimble fighter suitable for ground attack roles, the need for a more modern air superiority aircraft is clear. Cost considerations and operational requirements will ultimately guide Kenya’s decision in selecting a suitable replacement, ensuring the KAF remains capable of defending the nation’s airspace in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.
