The British Army and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recently
concluded a six-week joint military training exercise dubbed
Haraka Storm Bravo. The annual exercise, which ran through
October and November 2024, took place at the Ole Naishu training
area in Laikipia County.
This year's exercise introduced advanced Tactical Engagement
Simulation (TES) equipment: an innovative training tool designed
to enhance tactical effectiveness. TES technology uses
computerised vests that record and transmit tactical data,
allowing control units to track and analyse the position,
movement, and actions of each soldier during field exercises. Key
metrics such as firing accuracy, speed, and direction are
captured and reviewed to refine tactical techniques and improve
overall operational efficiency.
The exercise was witnessed by senior UK and KDF officials,
including: the UK Defence Adviser, Brigadier Olly Bryant; KDF
General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command, Major General
Kutto; Commander 2 Mechanised Brigade, Brigadier Kamoiro; Kenya
Army Chief of Training, Brigadier Mzee; and Commanding Officer
5KR, Lieutenant Colonel Mulwa.
This joint training exercise was part of the UK-Kenya defence
partnership, which enables up to six light infantry battle groups
to conduct annual training in Kenya. These exercises are designed
to prepare troops for global deployment.
Brigadier William Kamoiro highlighted the benefits of TES
in improving training outcomes:
The technology to review the exercise, enabled by the use of TES
equipment, not only introduces realism into the exercise but also
saves the battle group from wasting live ammunition as the team
perfects their skills. The British Army's 2 Rifles and KDF's
Bravo Company of 5KR have demonstrated well-trained battle groups
who know what they are doing and how to target and clear the
enemy to achieve the set objective. I can confidently report that
through the joint exercise, the soldiers are ready for
deployment.
Major James Athow-Frost, overseeing BATUK's Tactical
Operations, highlighted the unique opportunities Kenya's terrain
offers:
Kenya offers an incredible terrain for the British troops to
train - hot and arid locations and living in basic camps in the
bush. This enables the units to be prepared for operations in
demanding terrain. The combined training offers the two battle
groups an opportunity to exchange experience and use technology
like the TES program which brings all battle groups' activities
into a virtual world.
Major General Kutto acknowledged the mutual benefits of
the collaboration:
There is a lot of knowledge and skills that we borrow from each
other. The demonstration by the two battle groups working
together to clear the enemy is a clear indication of the
symbiotic relationship between the two forces. The enemy that we
are facing is amorphous, it keeps on changing and we must also be
able to match and even be smarter. The introduction of TES
technology is a huge step towards this.
Kenya remains one of UK's leading defence partners in East
Africa. The UK and Kenya share a long and proud history of
military cooperation, working together across land, sea, and air
to address shared challenges and ensure the safety of their
citizens.
Beyond military preparedness, the British Army Training Unit
Kenya (BATUK) also invests in community projects, collaborating
with National and County Governments, non-governmental and
community organisations to address community needs.
Note to editors:
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BATUK TacOps designs the training module, ensures the
training happens safely and the training areas are safe for
training, and that the troops leave the training areas in
good condition as they met them or even better, and that no
human being or animal is harmed during the
exercise.
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The British Army has contracted Ravenswood Solutions
Kenya to provide the TES equipment. The Company works
with other contracted companies like Cubic to help bring in
wider capabilities for the exercising troops.
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) supports BATUK
in setting up structures and systems that ensure physical
safety in the training areas. DIO works closely with Kenya
Wildlife Services (KWS), Community elders and local rangers
to enable authorised training to be conducted safely. Before
any training takes place, DIO coordinates with landowners,
managers, and communities to ensure the training plans are
understood.
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Immediately before training commences, helicopter overflights
ensure training areas are clear before the exercise begins.
The training areas must be confirmed as clear (of people,
livestock, and wildlife) before any live ammunition is used.
