Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia's locally-produced drones are key to defending the nation's economic gains, arguing that military strength is essential to sustain prosperity.

Speaking during a visit to the AeroAbay drone manufacturing plant, the Prime Minister stressed that economic growth in countries like Ethiopia must be accompanied by a strengthening of military capacity. Without this, he cautioned, economic gains could easily be lost due to a lack of security.

"Building military capacity is crucial to solidify Ethiopia's prosperity journey," said Abiy. "A nation's progress is measured not just by its wealth, but also by its military strength."

He highlighted that Ethiopia's ability to produce its own technology, rather than just importing it, is a clear sign of the promising progress being made in the sector.  Abiy expressed optimism about the country’s potential to prosper, citing recent achievements in agriculture, technology, tourism, and mining as "very promising."

The Prime Minister’s visit to the AeroAbay plant showcased Ethiopia's commitment to building its military strength alongside its economic development. He explained that the facility is producing various drones, including scouting drones and commercial models.

Recalling a time when Ethiopia faced challenges in acquiring modern military hardware, Abiy noted that the country has now moved beyond simply buying technology to producing it with its own capabilities. He described this military strength as a crucial tool for defending the nation's existence and sovereignty against any threats.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister called on all citizens to work together to ensure Ethiopia's comprehensive development, stating that the country is capable of achieving all-around prosperity.