KENYA has bought a high-tech Israeli air defense system called SPYDER for about KSh3.4 billion, which will greatly improve the country's ability to protect its skies and prepare for military situations. The system was purchased from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in Israel and was sent to Kenya by an Israeli military aircraft, as confirmed by defense experts from both Israel and around the world.
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The SPYDER system is a mobile defense platform that can quickly respond to threats like planes, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and incoming missiles.
It is used by many countries and is considered a key part of modern air defense systems.
This purchase shows Kenya is working to upgrade its military defenses to deal with new security challenges, such as the growing use of drones and other aerial tools by potential enemies.
The deal also shows that Kenya and Israel are strengthening their collaboration on defense and security, especially in areas like counter-terrorism and sharing intelligence. However, Kenya has not revealed where the system will be used or how it will operate, because of national security reasons.
It is believed that Kenya is now one of the few African countries with advanced short- to medium-range air defense systems, which is a big step forward in protecting the country's sovereignty and control over its airspace.