By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Ethiopia, – 25 January 2026 Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said the government has adopted plans to significantly expand the operational capacity of the Ethiopian Air Force over the next five years as part of a broader defence modernization program.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, Abiy Ahmed said his government has begun cooperation with major global defence manufacturers, supported by a defined roadmap and an approved budget aimed at strengthening both combat and defensive capabilities.
He noted that the air force, which currently operates fourth-generation combat capabilities, is expected to transition to fifth-generation systems by 2030, a move that would increase the number of combat aircraft while enhancing readiness and operational efficiency.
More from Ethiopia
The Prime Minister stressed that achieving military victories through large human casualties is no longer acceptable in the modern era, underscoring that the new strategy prioritizes minimizing loss of life through reliance on technological superiority and precision firepower
He added that military capacity-building—particularly within the air force—will continue at an accelerated pace over the coming five years, with the objective of securing victories using modern and effective tools, reiterating that the life of every Ethiopian remains a top national priority.
Discover more Ethiopia updates
