PM Abiy Stresses Importance of Military Capability to Sustain Economic Progress

Addis Ababa, September 4, 2025 (ENA) -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed the importance of building military capability to sustain the ongoing economic development journey to ensure Ethiopia's prosperity.

The premier has today visited the Aero Abay drone manufacturing facility.

In his remarks concerning the visit, the Prime Minister emphasized that economic transformation is one of the fundamental pillars supporting a nation, and he pointed out that Ethiopia is realizing substantial achievements in this regard.

Abiy mentioned that due to economic reforms, Ethiopia has emerged as one of the countries making strides in economic advancement. He further stated that reinforcing economic growth—which is progressing positively—with military strength is crucial to ensuring prosperity.

The Prime Minister asserted that the achievement of prosperity in Ethiopia and its transformation are indisputable realities, emphasizing that the economic journey currently underway must be bolstered by military capability.

Furthermore, he remarked that a nation's progress is evaluated not solely by its financial resources but also by its military capabilities. 

PM Abiy described Ethiopia as a nation with significant potential for prosperity, stating that the advancements and outcomes being realized in agriculture, industry, technology, tourism, and mining need to be bolstered by military strength.

He noted that today’s  visit demonstrates the military capabilities that Ethiopia is building alongside its economic development.

The Aero Abay drone manufacturing facility is producing reconnaissance drones capable of easily transporting a variety of equipment, in addition to commercial drones, Abiy revealed, pointing out that numerous institutions are also engaged in the manufacturing of drones.

The Prime Minister reflected on the fact that years ago, Ethiopia encountered the difficulty of acquiring drones, rather than equipping itself with them. However, he noted that the country has now progressed from merely buying drones to producing them using its own capability.

Furthermore, Abiy emphasized that military capability, through the use of technology, is a tool to protect Ethiopia's progress when a threat arises that endangers the nation's existence and sovereignty.