Addis Ababa, November 14, 2026 (FMC) – Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has tasked military commanders with mastering artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to keep pace with the changing nature of warfare, stressing the growing importance of technological proficiency and information analysis in military operations.
He made the remarks at a graduation ceremony of the Defence Command and Staff College, which graduated senior military officers who had completed various training programmes.
Field Marshal Birhanu said Ethiopia had built a modern and capable military force equipped to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, national interests and the security of its people. He explained that the force’s development rests on the quality of its personnel, professional expertise, leadership competence and technological capacity.
He noted that Ethiopia, having faced external pressures and challenges throughout its history, was continuing to strengthen its military preparedness to protect its sovereignty and national interests. He added that the ongoing military-building process prioritises quality, operational competence and modern combat capabilities.
Addressing the changing demands of contemporary and future warfare, the ENDF Chief of Staff emphasised that military leaders must be proficient in digital technologies, GPS systems, computer applications and artificial intelligence.
He also stressed the need for commanders to analyse information accurately, incorporate technology into decision-making and adapt to evolving military practices, according to information from the Defence Ministry’s online media.
Field Marshal Birhanu called on the Defence Command and Staff College to modernise its training curriculum, strengthen technological instruction and expand its training capacity to produce military leaders equipped for future operational demands.
He further stated that the College was working to expand its training infrastructure, strengthen its academic capacity and enhance international cooperation, with the ambition of becoming an internationally recognised military education and training centre for officers from across Africa and other parts of the world.