UK advisors guide partner forces in urban operations drills at Justified Accord, Kenya/ U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa /HANDOUT
The UK Armed Forces are playing a key role in two large-scale multinational military exercises taking place in East Africa this week, aimed at boosting regional security and enhancing international cooperation.
Led by the United States, the exercises – Exercise Justified Accord and Exercise Cutlass Express – bring together over 2,000 military personnel from 29 countries, including 22 African nations.
Exercise Justified Accord, which runs from February 10 to 21, is a multinational land exercise hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania.
The event began with tabletop discussions and has transitioned into full-scale live drills.
The exercises focus on urban warfare, coordinating ground attacks, using drones, breaching buildings and executing medical evacuations.
The UK is making a significant contribution to the exercise, with B Company 3 RIFLES working alongside the US 173rd Airborne Brigade, Kenya Army infantry, Kenyan Marines and other forces from Tanzania and Somalia.
The forces are honing their skills to ensure rapid and effective collaboration in high-stress combat scenarios.
Simultaneously, Exercise Cutlass Express is taking place in the waters off Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania.
The naval exercise focused on maritime security, simulated high-speed vessel boardings and regaining control of various types of vessels while under fire.
The exercise aims to improve the ability of nations to counter piracy, smuggling, and other maritime threats.
Now in its 15th year, Exercise Cutlass Express remains a critical component of efforts to enhance maritime security in East Africa.
The event challenges participants to complete increasingly complex scenarios, preparing them to respond to real-world threats on the high seas.
The UK’s involvement in both exercises underscores its long-term commitment to supporting security and stability in East Africa.
Olly Bryant, Defence Attaché at the British High Commission Nairobi, praised the UK’s ongoing role in fostering strong, collaborative relationships with African partners.
“The UK is proud to support long-term stability and security across East Africa, and we are honoured to work alongside our allies in delivering high-capacity, high-quality training,” Bryant said.
“Together, we go further and achieve greater success in building a safer, more secure region.”
The timing of the exercises coincides with the election of the new African Union Chairperson, further emphasising the importance of regional cooperation.
Both exercises also support the African Union’s security objectives, preparing forces for the United Nations and African Union missions in Africa.
The UK’s involvement in Exercise Justified Accord and Cutlass Express is part of its broader strategy to enhance African defence capabilities.
This includes the creation of Kenya’s first-ever Marine Corps and joint
training programs with Nigeria and Ghana’s special forces.
