Ethiopian Air Force Undergoes Technology-Driven Transformation, Builds Self-Reliant Capabilities

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) has undergone a major technology-driven transformation over the past six to seven years, expanding its manufacturing, maintenance and operational capabilities as part of efforts to build a more self-reliant force.

In an interview, Deputy Commander of EAF Brigadier General Meseret Getachew said the reform has focused on advancing technology, strengthening self-reliance, transforming human resources and building an Air Force capable of serving Ethiopia’s strategic interests.

He said the Air Force has transitioned from an analog system into the digital era while developing capabilities in aircraft maintenance, upgrading, spare parts manufacturing and unmanned aircraft production.

According to the deputy commander, these capabilities have moved beyond research and theory and are now being applied in practical manufacturing and operational activities.

He said aircraft and unmanned systems are being manufactured, maintained and upgraded locally, while technological capabilities continue to be developed and applied across various areas.

The Air Force has also worked to maximize the use of existing resources by repairing and upgrading systems and developing technological capabilities that were previously unavailable, he added.

The deputy commander further noted that the Air Force has significantly expanded its production capacity.

Items that were previously manufactured only in small quantities can now be produced on a much larger scale, with hundreds of components manufactured daily and thousands of certain spare parts produced over time.

The growing capabilities have also enabled the Ethiopian Air Force to expand cooperation with other African countries, Brigadier General Meseret said.

Over the past several months, the Air Force has signed agreements with several African countries covering professional training, aircraft and helicopter repair, and other areas of technical cooperation, he said.

The growing interest has followed visits by African delegations to Ethiopian Air Force facilities, where they observed its maintenance, overhaul, upgrading, manufacturing and training capabilities firsthand.

According to the deputy commander, visiting countries have expressed increasing interest in cooperation after witnessing the work of Ethiopian engineers, technicians and pilots and seeing technologies manufactured and operated locally.

The Air Force is also providing training to professionals from other African countries, with the cooperation extending beyond technical instruction to include technology and knowledge transfer.

“We try to make them not only qualified in science and technology, but also good nations. So, when they go back to their country, they are going to prove the level of training, maintenance, technology and knowledge transfer they are given,” Brigadier General Meseret said.

He said the expanding cooperation also provides commercial benefits by generating foreign currency that can support research and development, manufacturing capacity and the procurement of raw materials.

The Air Force is continuing its research and development activities rather than becoming satisfied with the capabilities it has already achieved, he added.

“We are not satisfied yet,” he said, emphasizing that the Air Force remains committed to further advancing its technological and operational capabilities.

The progress made over the past several years represents a fundamental transformation of the EAF’s capabilities rather than an incremental improvement from one level to another, Brigadier General Meseret noted.