The Pentagon trains Kenya's special forces to fight Al-Shabaab

摘要

On 27 July, the US Department of Defense issued a solicitation for the supply of 100 or so M4A1-type assault rifles equipped with laser simulation (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System - MILES) to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The rifles are to go to the KDF's training centres with the aim of giving recruits combat training through the use of simulated firing. The tender call is being made as part of the foreign military sales (FMS) programme financed by the US for its allies via the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). It follows an initial information request made in August 2019 after an approach from Kenya. Among the companies in the running to win the tender call are defence giant Lockheed Martin and contractor Cubic Defense Applications which already supplies its MILES system to the US Army. Saab Defense and Security USA could also bid as a partner of the US on other FMS contracts of the same type.