Ethiopian Air Force Steps Up Readiness as Air Police Leadership Urged to Strengthen Operational Preparedness

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa has called on Air Police leadership to further strengthen the force’s routine readiness and institutional security capabilities in line with prevailing circumstances.

The commander made the call while attending the closing ceremony of a capacity-building training program for Air Police leaders, where he also issued operational directives to the leadership.

Lieutenant General Yilma said the Air Police unit has been making a significant contribution to safeguarding the security of the Ethiopian Air Force and maintaining peace in its operational environment.

He urged Air Police leaders at all levels to strengthen the force’s routine readiness by taking current circumstances into account and consolidate the results achieved in institutional security protection and enforcement of discipline and regulations.

Air Police Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ordofa Dinku, for his part, said periodic capacity-building training is essential to maintaining the unit’s routine readiness.

According to Defense Online Media, the training provided to Air Police leaders focused primarily on military leadership, approaches to building military morale and legal awareness, with the aim of enhancing their leadership capabilities.