Kenya, Jordan Discuss Drone Training in Aqaba
Kenyan and Jordanian defence officials held talks on counter-terrorism and drone training during a defence exhibition in Aqaba, Jordan.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Military
Kenya Defence Forces Deputy Army Commander Major General John Nkoimo met Jordan's Chief of the Armed Forces Major General Majdi Al-Harasis in Aqaba to discuss specialised training in counter-terrorism, drone operations and counter-drone capabilities. No formal agreement or timetable was announced.
Why it matters
The talks signal growing defence cooperation between Kenya and Jordan as both militaries expand their capabilities in unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technology. The discussions took place during a major regional defence showcase.
The 15th SOFEX ran October 26 to 29 and drew more than 400 delegations from over 75 countries. No formal agreement or timetable for the Kenya-Jordan training was disclosed, leaving the scope of cooperation unconfirmed.
The players
Major General John Nkoimo
Deputy Army Commander of the Kenya Defence Forces who led Kenya's delegation in the talks.
Major General Majdi Al-Harasis
Chief of the Jordanian Armed Forces who examined possible training areas with the Kenyan delegation.
The details
Al-Harasis examined possible training areas during the talks, which covered counter-terrorism, drone operations and counter-drone capabilities. The discussions were held alongside the 15th Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference, where unmanned aerial vehicles, cyber-defence tools and battlefield-management platforms were showcased.
Timeline
October 26 to 29, 2026: 15th SOFEX held in Aqaba, Jordan
Late October 2026: Kenya-Jordan defence talks held during SOFEX
Military Ties
The talks extend Kenya and Jordan's existing military cooperation, which already includes the joint exercises Swift Eagle and Eager Lion and participation together in the International Warrior Competition. Moving into drone and counter-drone training marks a shift toward specialised capabilities beyond traditional joint drills.
For readers following defence developments, the talks show that drone and counter-drone training is becoming a priority for mid-sized militaries. No formal agreement has been signed, so any practical training programme remains undefined.
The takeaway
Defence partnerships increasingly center on drones and counter-drone systems, and the Kenya-Jordan talks illustrate how militaries are seeking specialised training in these areas. Watch for any formal agreement that defines the scope of the cooperation.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Military section for context on defence cooperation between nations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kenya Today.
