Justified Accord 2025 hones warfighting capabilities, enhances multinational crisis response readiness

NAIROBI, Kenya — Approximately 1,300 personnel from over 15 countries will participate in Justified Accord 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s largest military exercise in East Africa, from Feb. 10-21, 2025. Hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, this annual exercise strengthens the ability of participating forces to respond to regional security threats, humanitarian crises and peacekeeping missions.

Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), this is Kenya’s fourth year in a row hosting the exercise.

This year features the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration operations where partner countries control Kenyan air assets to provide air support of multinational land forces.

Also for the first time, U.S. and Kenya military healthcare providers will conduct a real-world veterinary civic action program, to provide essential veterinary services to livestock. This fosters positive relations with local Kenyans and builds readiness when encountering animals on the battlefield.

In addition to the VETCAP, U.S. and Kenya military medical personnel will host a medical civic action program, providing healthcare to local Kenyans. While enhancing their interoperability, this bilateral medical team has treated between 750-900 patients over a two-day period in previous years.

Finally, live-fire exercises feature the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, the U.K.’s 11th SFAB and the Massachusetts National Guard. Together they will partner with the Kenya Defence Forces, NATO allies and regional partners to reinforce joint warfighting capabilities.

This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Massachusetts National Guard and the Kenya Defence Forces. This milestone highlights a decade of sustained military cooperation, training exchanges and capacity-building efforts between the two forces.

"Justified Accord is a critical exercise that brings together our partners to strengthen security and stability in East Africa," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises, SETAF-AF. "Through joint training and collaboration, we enhance our ability to operate effectively together in response to emerging challenges."

JA25 reinforces the commitment of the U.S. and its partners to joint military readiness, crisis response and multinational cooperation.

“It’s a great honor to take part in exercise Justified Accord 2025. We give much appreciation to the U.S. for their partnership in training and the exchange of knowledge and skills,” said KDF Brigadier William Kamwoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and KDF exercise director. “The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties.”

For photos, videos and articles from the exercise, please visit the Justified Accord DVIDS feature page and the Kenyan Ministry of Defence website.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS