Ethiopian Air Force's Growing Capability Strengthens National Deterrence: Deputy Commander

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2026 (ENA) — The growing operational and defense capabilities of the Ethiopian Air Force are strengthening Ethiopia's deterrence capacity, making potential adversaries reconsider actions against the country's national interests, Brigadier General Meseret Getachew, Deputy Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force, said.

The Deputy Commander noted that the Air Force's operational capability has reached a level that enabled the country to respond more effectively to threats.

Independent assessments by major international media outlets and foreign experts have also highlighted the Air Force's growing capabilities, providing an external perspective on the progress achieved.

According to Brigadier General Meseret, the changing security environment in the region necessitates a continued strengthening of Ethiopia's defense capacity.

"Our national interest does not stop at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD),” he said, adding that Ethiopia’s national interests extend beyond the dam and encompass broader strategic interests.

“We are working day and night to build a capacity that matches our national interests," Brigadier General Meseret noted.

He said the country is working continuously to build a defense capacity commensurate with its national interests, particularly amid a turbulent regional environment.

As a result, Ethiopia's growing execution and defense capabilities have deterred those seeking to act against its national interests from reconsidering their intentions.

He noted that there are overt and covert attempts against Ethiopia's interests, but the increasing capability of the country's defense institutions is curtailing such actions.

The Deputy Commander stressed that the Air Force's capabilities have been growing and it remains focused on further strengthening its capacity to safeguard Ethiopia's national interests.