Ethiopian Air Force Emerges as Continental Model for Military Excellence, Cooperation

Addis Ababa, January 23, 2026 (ENA)—African military attachés have hailed the Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) as a leading model for air forces across the continent, citing its rapid modernization, growing self-reliance, and decisive contribution to regional peace and security.

The recognition came during Aviation Expo 2026, officially launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew as part of the ETAF90 celebrations, marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force.

The anniversary is being commemorated from January 23 to 27, 2026, highlighting nine decades of sacrifice, resilience, and transformative achievement.

Organized within the framework of the milestone celebrations, Aviation Expo 2026 brought together defense officials and military delegations from across Africa.

Participants toured Ethiopian Air Force facilities and engaged in high-level discussions on aviation development, defense cooperation, and capacity building—underscoring Ethiopia’s growing influence in continental security affairs.

Colonel Mothusi Chelenyane, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Botswana in Addis Ababa, praised the Ethiopian Air Force for its remarkable progress in aviation, engineering, and operational capability.

He described the EAF as one of the fastest-developing air forces in Africa and an emerging continental leader.

Colonel Chelenyane emphasized the EAF’s strong commitment to self-reliance, particularly its advanced capacity in aircraft maintenance, modification, and key engineering services.

He noted that Ethiopia’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African nations seeking to strengthen their own air force capabilities.

Highlighting Africa’s persistent peace and security challenges, he stressed the importance of regional collaboration, adding that the Ethiopian Air Force presents significant opportunities for cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at addressing shared security threats.

Echoing this view, Mackenzy Tjivera, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Namibia in Ethiopia, stated that the Ethiopian Air Force is not only enhancing its national capabilities but is also contributing meaningfully to the strengthening of air forces across Africa through cooperation.

He noted that the EAF is widely welcomed by African countries and plays a critical role in advancing collective security, emphasizing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through isolated efforts.

According to him, collaboration in aviation and air force operations is essential, and Ethiopia is making a positive and tangible contribution to continental stability.

Similarly, Colonel Aristide Anguilet, Defence Attaché of Gabon, commended the Ethiopian Air Force’s progress and institutional determination.

He described the EAF as a valuable national asset and a strong example for other African countries, adding that he was deeply impressed by what he observed during the event.

Colonel Anguilet further noted that the participation of numerous African nations in the expo reflects a shared commitment to learning from Ethiopia’s experience and strengthening cooperation—reinforcing the growing importance of continental partnership in defense and security.