Danish Defence donates drones to Kenya Navy

By Defence Command Denmark

Kenya's efforts against terrorism, piracy, and drug smuggling will be strengthened in the future with Danish-produced drones. As part of Denmark's long-standing support for capacity building within the Kenyan fleet, Denmark has donated a number of drones from the Danish manufacturer UPTEKO to the Kenya Navy.

The donation includes two different types of drones. One type will be used for security surveillance of the Kenyan Defence's bases and fixed installations. The other type is a smaller tactical drone designed to support the Kenya Navy’s special forces during patrols in the highly inaccessible swampland and dense mangrove forests along the Somali border.

It is in this border region that Al-Shabaab terrorists enter Kenya, and it is likewise through these swamplands that weapons are smuggled into the country.

Concerns and Opportunities

The Kenya Navy's interest in utilizing drones is linked to the development and use of drones in the war in Ukraine, as well as experiences with Yemeni Houthi drone attacks on shipping traffic in the Red Sea.

Kenya is aware that cooperation has been established between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab regarding the exchange of weapons technology and attack tactics—a partnership that Kenya views with great concern. At the same time, Kenya sees opportunities in its own use of drones, both in the fight against Al-Shabaab and in handling tasks related to maritime security, explains Commander Senior Grade Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen, Denmark's Liaison Officer to the Kenya Navy.

"Knowledge of drone application is a prerequisite for countering drone threats. Therefore, it is crucial that we help Kenya initiate development in the drone sector, where the Kenya Navy builds both the knowledge and capacity to employ drones tactically," says Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen.

Benjamin Mejnertz from UPTEKO briefs Kenyan soldiers on one of the drone types they will be operating in the future. Photo: Kenya Navy

Kenyan experiences can be used in Denmark

The drones donated by Denmark are produced by the Danish company UPTEKO, based in Skanderborg, which also collaborates with the Danish Armed Forces.

"We have a Danish company with the necessary expertise, secure data management, and one that already supplies the Defence in Denmark. Therefore, it is a natural fit for us to contribute in this area. It also aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Africa Strategy, which states that Denmark and the EU should be a better alternative as a partner for Africa than, for example, China," says Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen.

One of the co-founders of UPTEKO, Benjamin Mejnertz, has been in Kenya to introduce the drones to the Kenya Navy. He points out that it is not only Kenya that benefits from the use of Danish drones.

"In Kenya, we can test the drones in an entirely different environment than in Denmark. We train the soldiers in Kenya, but we also learn from them. The collaboration with the Kenya Navy provides UPTEKO with realistic, operational feedback on our drone systems. This allows us to refine both technology and training programs based on actual use in challenging environments. This strengthens our ability to develop drones that can also benefit the Defence in Denmark," says Benjamin Mejnertz.

Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen also sees opportunities for Denmark in the Kenyan drone project.

"I hope that we can create a genuine partnership between the Danish and Kenyan defense sectors regarding drones. This would be mutually beneficial, and with the involvement of Danish companies, the potential is great," says Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen.