Kenya Defence Technologies: The Kenya Navy has held a meeting with Saab, a Swedish defence and security company, to look at new technologies that could improve maritime surveillance, coastal security and threat detection.
The Saab team visited the Kenya Navy Headquarters for talks with Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno. The meeting focused on modern systems that can help the navy keep a closer watch on activities at sea and respond to different types of threats. Kenya’s Ministry of Defence said the engagement was aimed at exploring technologies that could support the country’s maritime domain awareness.
Focus on Better Maritime Awareness
The maritime security environment is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancement and the emergence of increasingly complex threats above, on and beneath the sea.
See more; https://t.co/0PnAkXANCm pic.twitter.com/xXi9gZledy— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 17, 2026
The meeting comes at a time when threats in the maritime area are becoming more complex. Security risks can come from the air, the surface of the sea and even from underwater.
The Kenya Navy needs modern tools to watch these areas and quickly understand what’s happening. Saab’s presentation gave the navy an opportunity to look at different systems that can help improve this work.
Maritime surveillance and coastal radar systems were among the technologies discussed. These systems can help detect and track activities at sea and give naval teams a clearer picture of their surroundings.
Saab also presented 3D radar technology and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or C-UAS. These systems are made to detect and follow aerial threats such as drones. They can also support responses against UAVs operating in the maritime environment.
Underwater Surveillance Also Discussed
The talks weren’t limited to what can be seen above the water. Saab also showed underwater sensors and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, known as UUVs.
These systems can help the navy monitor areas below the sea surface. Underwater activity is often harder to detect without specialised equipment. Sensors and UUVs can give naval forces more information about what’s happening in this part of the maritime domain.
Saab has a wider range of naval surveillance and radar systems. Its Sea Giraffe family, for example, includes radars designed for detecting and tracking air and surface targets. Saab also develops underwater systems and technologies for counter-drone operations.
Kenya’s Wider Maritime Security Needs
Kenya has a long Indian Ocean coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone that requires regular monitoring. Maritime security is important for protecting territorial waters, ports, marine resources and sea-based economic activity.
The Kenya Navy has also been working with international partners to improve maritime surveillance, training and operational readiness. In March 2026, Kenya and the US Navy took part in CARAT 2026, which included work on maritime surveillance and rapid responses to emerging threats in the Western Indian Ocean.
