Korea donates 6 helicopters to Kenya for UN peacekeeping

Korean and U.S. military personnel inspect a retired 500MD helicopter loaded on a container in the southeastern port of Busan in this photo provided by the Ministry of National Defense, Thursday. Korea has donated the Army's six retired light attack helicopters to Kenya for U.N. peacekeeping missions. Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense

Korea has donated six retired 500MD helicopters that were formerly used by the ROK Army to Kenya in support of United Nations’ peacekeeping operations there, the Ministry of National Defense said, Thursday.

The six choppers began their journey from the southeastern port of Busan to the United States, the ministry said, noting that the choppers will be delivered to Kenya after necessary repairs and maintenance in the U.S.

Kenya is expected to deploy the light attack helicopters for U.N. peacekeeping missions after consultations with the international body.

The donation came as Korea pledged to provide support for the peacekeeping missions during the U.N. peacekeeping forum hosted by Seoul in 2021. At the time, the defense ministry vowed to offer 16 helicopters, and the United States promised to offer repairs and maintenance in addition to transportation.

The ministry said it will closely cooperate with the U.S. and U.N. to complete the delivery of the remaining 10 helicopters.

“The latest donation shows Korea’s willingness to expand its contribution to global peace and security before the country begins its role as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council in January next year,” a ministry official said.