Kenya is preparing to host a historic military event that could reshape how African countries respond to disasters and emergencies. In early 2027, the country will host the first full-scale Association of African Air Forces Exercise, widely known as AAAFEX. This will be the first time the exercise brings together both a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise on such a large scale.
This landmark drill is not just about military strength. It places strong focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, also known as HADR. The goal is to ensure African air forces can respond faster and more effectively when disasters strike, whether from floods, droughts, earthquakes, or conflict-related emergencies.
On January 7, 2025, the Kenya Air Force hosted a high-level delegation from the United States military. The meeting focused on fine-tuning preparations for the 2027 AAAFEX. Senior officers from both sides discussed timelines, coordination, and the overall structure of the exercise.
During these talks, a clear planning roadmap was agreed upon. The exercise will blend simulated decision-making sessions for top commanders with real-life field operations involving aircraft, ground teams, and support personnel. This approach aims to close the gap between planning and action.
The Command Post Exercise will test how senior leaders make decisions under pressure. Commanders will deal with simulated crisis scenarios, assess information, and issue orders in real time. These simulations are designed to reflect real emergencies that African nations face today.
At the same time, the Field Training Exercise will involve live operations. Aircraft and trained personnel will carry out missions on the ground and in the air. This will allow participating air forces to test their readiness in realistic conditions.
Key activities during the exercise will include search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and the delivery of food, clean water, and medical supplies to affected areas. These are the exact operations needed during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
The main objective of AAAFEX is to strengthen coordination among African air forces. Many emergencies affect more than one country, and quick cooperation can save lives. This exercise aims to improve how air forces communicate, share resources, and operate together.
Kenya is not new to hosting major continental military events. In 2019, Nairobi hosted the 9th African Air Chiefs Symposium. The country has also hosted smaller tabletop exercises that focused on planning and discussion rather than live operations.
However, the 2027 AAAFEX will be different. It will be the first time a full-scale exercise combines command-level planning with field training in one integrated event. This makes it a major step forward for the Association of African Air Forces.
The Kenya Air Force has confirmed that detailed after-action reviews will be carried out once the exercise is completed. These reviews will examine what worked well and what needs improvement. Lessons learned will be shared among member states to strengthen future responses.
The exercise is expected to test logistics in a serious way. Moving aircraft, equipment, and personnel across borders requires strong planning. Coordination between different countries, languages, and systems will also be closely examined.
By 2027, the aim is to fully operationalise the Association of African Air Forces. AAAFEX is seen as a key tool to turn cooperation on paper into real action. Disaster response readiness across Africa is expected to improve as a result.
Kenya is playing a leading role in shaping the roadmap and logistical planning for the exercise. Multiple African member states are expected to take part, making it one of the largest air force cooperation events on the continent.
The upcoming AAAFEX also builds on long-standing cooperation between the Kenya Defence Forces and the United States military. The two forces have worked together for many years through joint training and shared operations.
One of the most notable joint activities is the annual Justified Accord exercise. This multinational drill focuses on crisis response, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations, bringing together forces from different countries.
Recent editions of Justified Accord have included training in fighting in built-up urban areas. Soldiers have also trained in detecting and neutralising roadside bombs, responding to drone threats, and carrying out joint hostage rescue missions.
Beyond combat training, these exercises have included community outreach programmes. Military teams have provided medical and veterinary services to local communities in counties such as Samburu and Lamu, strengthening trust between civilians and security forces.
Other cooperation initiatives include Operation Toy Drop. This programme provides airborne training opportunities and professional exchanges in the United States, helping Kenyan personnel gain advanced skills and international exposure.
Integrated training has also taken place at Manda Bay and the Central Partnership Station in Mombasa. At these locations, the Kenya Navy has trained alongside U.S. and Israeli forces in maritime security operations.
These maritime exercises have involved vessel boarding and search operations, boat engine repairs, dive medical training, and crisis response simulations. Such training improves readiness both at sea and in coastal emergencies.
The Massachusetts National Guard State Partnership Program has also played a role. Through this partnership, exchanges and training have improved engineering capacity, site development skills, and technical knowledge sharing between Kenya and its partners.
As Africa faces increasing climate-related disasters and complex security challenges, the 2027 AAAFEX comes at a critical time. Kenya’s role as host places it at the centre of a new chapter in African air force cooperation and humanitarian readiness.
If successful, this historic exercise could become a model for future joint operations across the continent. For many observers, Kenya’s skies in 2027 may mark the moment Africa takes a major leap forward in protecting its people during times of crisis.
