Ethiopian Air Force at 90: Key Facts and Achievements
Addis Ababa, January 26, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) is celebrating its 90th anniversary from January 23–27, 2026, marking nine decades of service, growth, and transformation into a modern combat force. During the celebration, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the Air Force’s historical achievements, its current capabilities, and its vision for the future, emphasizing the institution’s critical role in safeguarding national interests and contributing to regional peace.
The Ethiopian Air Force, hailed as the “Eagle of the Skies,” has long symbolized Ethiopia’s sovereignty, resilience, and national pride. Over the past nine decades, it has evolved from a limited operational force into a modern, formidable pillar of nation-building, shaped by ongoing reforms and the Medemer governance philosophy.
Key Facts and Takeaways:
▪️ The Air Force’s current capabilities are the result of cumulative efforts by successive governments over its 90-year history.
▪️ Today, the EAF stands at a higher and more advanced level than at any previous point in its history, equipped with advanced fighter jets, cutting-edge technologies, and highly trained personnel.
▪️ Throughout its history, the Air Force has produced heroes distinguished by courage, skill, and dedication, whose service has strengthened both national defense and regional security.
▪️ Human resource development remains a priority, aiming to cultivate personnel who are professionally capable, regionally recognized, and fully committed to national service.
▪️ Strengthened human capital allows the Air Force’s aircraft and combat jets to function as a decisive and highly capable force, ready to respond to emerging security challenges.
▪️ Building a modern Air Force requires personnel who are lifelong learners, deeply committed, and prepared to serve with dedication throughout their careers.
▪️ Recent initiatives to develop competent human resources are laying a lasting foundation for the Air Force to be remembered with pride by future generations.
▪️ In addition to technological upgrades, the EAF emphasizes building strong, capable human capital, recognizing it as the backbone of operational effectiveness.
▪️ In the past five years, the government has accelerated Air Force development, achieving progress equivalent to nearly 85 years of accumulated work, addressing historical gaps in consistency.
▪️ Ethiopia has acquired critical air defense and aviation technologies, while simultaneously enhancing manpower to strengthen operational capacity.
▪️ Working with major international manufacturers, the government has a plan to double the Air Force’s capacity within the next five years, backed by clear budgets and resources.
▪️ The EAF has achieved fourth-generation combat capability and is preparing to transition to fifth-generation capability by 2030, which will also double overall combat effectiveness.
▪️ The expansion of the Air Force reflects the understanding that air power is built through human commitment, skill, and sacrifice.
▪️ Ethiopia aims to strengthen air power technologies to achieve strategic objectives while minimizing human loss in potential conflicts.
▪️ Members of the Ethiopian Air Force are called to prepare continuously, day and night, recognizing that safeguarding national strategic interests is a critical and ongoing responsibility.
▪️ Beyond national defense, the EAF serves as a guardian of peace across the East African region, reflecting Ethiopia’s broader commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
▪️ The 90th anniversary celebrations underscore the Air Force’s remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and service, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s defense strategy and a symbol of institutional reform success.
▪️ To the men and women of the Ethiopian Air Force, past and present, and to all Ethiopians, the anniversary is a testament to dedication, heroism, and unwavering patriotism, honoring the courage and commitment of those who have served and continue to serve.