With the wake of global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the continent of Africa has been at the forefront of modernising its defense strategies among key areas. Recognizing the importance of updated fleets, demonstrations, and training efforts, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda have made strategic investments to incorporate advanced technologies. In a tensed global environment, the modernization efforts by these countries are a sign of juxtaposition to maintain international image, dominance, national sovereignty, and contemporary defense forces. These efforts are meant to address internal security challenges, lead national objectives, build stable borders, strengthen inter-continental relations and safeguard countries in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.
Defence giants including Honeywell (US), ST Engineering (Singapore), Northrop Grumman (US), Embraer Defence (Brazil), Aselsan (Turkey), and others are crucial in advancing African countries’ military strengths. These firms offer high-end technologies comprising today’s fighter jets, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, communication systems and a wide array of sophisticated technologies and solutions that goes a long way in enhancing the preparedness of African countries’ defense forces. Notably, with foreign commitment to foreign military sales (FMS) programs, the governments of the US, South Korea, India, Italy, Turkey, too are assisting African countries to get access to the latest technology equipment and exceptional training. With such FMS deals, countries are able to bank on moving jets, missiles, spare parts, and their logistics frame which are the backbones of every defense force that is evolving.
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Some of the noticeable developments from 2023–24 around key African countries are worth emphasising.
Kenya is improving its aerial strategies and operations against terrorism and peace keeping tasks. The government is expected to receive 16 MD500MD Defender attack helicopters by South Korea, which were pledged in 2021 to form a unit for United Nations peacekeeping missions. These helicopters were manufactured by the aerospace division of Korean Air but are being serviced in the US prior to their delivery to Kenya. The 50th Air Cavalry Battalion which also has various models of the MD500 was earlier in 2019 reinforced with the acquisition of 6 MD530F helicopters for missions including AMISOM in Somalia.
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Ethiopian National Defence Forces (FDRE Defence Force) received the first batch of Russian made Sukhoi Su-30 4th generation fighter jets and Turkish Akıncı UAVs on the Meda Air base in Bishoftu. Furthermore, Africa has also purchased a few supplemental Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey, Wing Loong drones from the Chinese, and Qods Mohajer-6 drones from Iran, all part of the strategical way to overhaul the country’s air combat. The new fighter jets and Akıncı drones in service are expected to perform a similar task and prove useful for any unforeseen wars.
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Zambia has received a grant of USD 8 million from the US in 2024 for procuring four Bell 412EP helicopters for the Zambia Air Force (ZAF), along with a three-year package that includes training, service, and parts. The country has been modernizing its rotary wing fleet, which has historically relied on Russian Mil Mi-171Sh and Mi-helicopters and Chinese Z-9s. The fleet has in the recent years been supplemented by a few Agusta-Bell 205s and three Bell/AgustaBell 412 helicopters from Italy and South Africa and a second-hand Bell 212 from Canada. Earlier in 2024, Zambia also placed an order for two Enstrom 480B helicopters from the US for pilot training purposes.
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Tanzania ordered two Leonardo C-27J Spartan transport aircraft from Italy in January 2024, intended primarily for civil support missions under the Tanzania Air Force Command. These aircraft, to be based at Dar Es-Salaam, will be equipped for humanitarian aid, search-and-rescue, and firefighting operations, including firefighting on Mount Kilimanjaro. The C-27J Spartan, known for its versatility in challenging environments, is already used by several African nations such as Kenya and Morocco, as well as by countries such as Australia, Greece, and the US Coast Guard.
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Uganda demonstrated the capabilities of the Mi-28 helicopters in July 2023. This demonstration held at the Karama Training School showcased the operational capabilities of these helicopters. The country also boasts of Mi-28N, equipped for night operations. It is armed with up to 16 Shturm and Ataka anti-tank missiles. In April 2024, Uganda and North Industries Corporation (Norinco, China) entered into a joint venture to set up a UAV workshop in Nakasongola, which represents a significant step forward in the country’s defense modernization plans.
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Proceeding toward the end of 2024, there will be increasing focus on further development of defense capabilities of these African countries. This would give a broader picture of the dominance of every country in the region. The roll out of other strategic developments like partnerships with prime defense contractors as well as focus on military ties with other countries to strengthen the defense sector is an event worth waiting for in the coming time.
SOURCE: Markets and Markets
