On February 10, 2025, the highly anticipated multinational military exercise “Justified Accord 2025” (JA25) commenced with impressive enthusiasm, uniting approximately 1,300 military personnel from over 15 nations. This significant annual event, held in the strategically important regions of Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, is directed by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).

The core objectives of JA25 are to bolster the warfighting capabilities of participant countries, enhance their crisis response readiness, and foster interoperability among a diverse array of military forces. Through these efforts, the exercise aims to effectively address the intricate security challenges facing East Africa.

A standout feature of JA25 is the groundbreaking introduction of the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration operations. This innovative phase enables partner nations to coordinate seamlessly with Kenyan air assets, delivering vital air support for multinational ground forces during nighttime operations. This advancement marks a transformative leap in collaborative military efforts, significantly enhancing the collective capability of the participating nations to conduct complex joint missions in various environmental and operational contexts, ushering in a new era of tactical excellence.

Throughout the exercise, participants will immerse themselves in a rich variety of high-intensity training scenarios, meticulously designed to sharpen their warfighting skills, expand operational reach, and refine the execution of multifaceted joint and multinational operations.

These demanding exercises take place across various tactical locations, notably including the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Msata Military Training Base in Tanzania. The diverse training environments realistically simulate real-world conditions, equipping forces to adapt effectively to a wide range of dynamic challenges.

“Justified Accord is a crucial exercise that brings together our partners in a unified mission to strengthen security and stability across East Africa,” stated U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, the deputy chief of exercises for SETAF-AF. “Through comprehensive joint training and cooperative initiatives, we enhance our operational effectiveness, ensuring we are equipped to tackle emerging challenges, whether arising from natural disasters or regional conflicts.”

Running through February 21, 2025, this exercise exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the U.S. and its allied nations to cultivate joint military readiness, robust crisis response capabilities, and sustained multinational collaboration in addressing regional security needs. This ongoing engagement highlights the vital importance of solidarity among nations in fostering peace and stability in East Africa-a region critically important for the safety of its residents and the broader international community.

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