By: Fistum Getachew
The 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force was celebrated between January 23 and 27, 2026 under the theme: “The Ethiopian Air Force: A Symbol of Freedom and Unity.” The historical records show that the Ethiopian Air Force was officially established as a national institution on November 28, 1935, but aviation technology was first introduced to Ethiopia seven years earlier on August 12, 1928. The celebration of this important milestone is not intended to only mark the anniversary but to also show to the world that Ethiopia is not a country that is so backward as many may perceive it to be. It is also a testimonial about what sort of nation it is with an air force that has been operating successfully in the skies for the last 90 years.
On the occasion of the celebrations at Bishoftu town, numerous events were carried out including panel discussions, air shows and even a ten kilometer road race. Notably, among the major events that took place was the Aviation Expo 2026 which was designed to foster collaboration and innovation within Ethiopia, across Africa, and internationally as stated by the organizers of the commemoration. The expo brought together government officials, industry leaders, manufacturers, service providers, and aviation experts to explore cutting-edge technologies, improve safety standards, expand aviation infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the Future African Air Forces Forum (FAAFF) was held for the third time in Africa under the theme “Cooperation and Collaboration for a Secure and Sustainable World.”
Air force commanders from multiple countries attended the event in a festive atmosphere. The air show featured aerial performances, advanced fighter jets, and aircraft from the Ethiopian Air Force, alongside international participants including the United Arab Emirates Air Force, Russian knights, and air force fleets from the Czech Republic and Morocco. This was a witness to Ethiopia’s capacity to engage in cooperation with multiple actors in the international sphere and their positive attitude towards Ethiopia. It can be cited as one of Ethiopia’s exploits in the diplomatic field as well.
The anniversary also included the objective of strengthening public engagement, promote aviation excellence, and enhance cooperation across Africa and beyond. The Ethiopian Air Force has always been regarded by Ethiopians as a heroic institution in the nation’s proud history and a sort of guarantee of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as it has proved it in the occasions when the country was involved in the defence of its borders from the aggression of external foes. Commensurate with the history of Ethiopia’s resistance to every sort of foreign dominion or aggression successfully, the air force has always been up to the usual standard of excellence and resilience. Ethiopians have always relied on their air force to foil any sort of aggression because it has always been composed of the best trained pilots and advanced technological capabilities.
According to the Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa the Ethiopian Airforce (EAF), one of Africa’s earliest established air forces, will continue to set the standard in aerial excellence. He said the Air Force has been a longstanding symbol of national pride, technological advancement, and a steadfast guarantor of regional peace.
Speaking at the celebration Lieutenant General Yilma said “the Ethiopian Air Force has stood for 90 years as a shield in the sky — protecting our sovereignty, supporting peacekeeping missions, and responding to national challenges.” He added Ethiopia will set the standard in areal excellence. During the show the Air Force’s operational capabilities were observed besides underscoring the role of the air force in driving industrial growth, technological advancement, and aerospace innovation.
Talking about the Ethiopian Air Force Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has said that it has cultivated a formidable fourth-generation combat capability and it will transition into fifth-generation by 2030.
According to the premier, such expansion will simultaneously see the fleet of combat aircraft double in size, ensuring a more robust and sophisticated aerial defense for the nation.
Speaking at the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Ethiopian Airforce (EAF), the Prime Minister underscored the historic and contemporary role of the force in safeguarding Ethiopia and contributing to peace across Africa. However, he noted that the Air Force at one point had not received consistent and adequate capacity building in line with its age and responsibilities.
Over the past five years, nonetheless, significant progress has been made through focused investment in advanced technology, human capital, and modern air-defense systems capable of protecting Ethiopia from any kind of aerial threats.
The premier noted that his government has planned and identified partners to double the current air force capacity, with the objective of achieving victory by minimizing human loss through advanced technology, precision strikes, and superior capability.
The premier noted the contribution that the Ethiopian Air Force had in defending Africa’s airspace during colonial years. He described the Air Force as one of Africa’s most respected institutions, built through the cumulative efforts of successive generations and governments. He said the air force is now at its strongest status more than any point of its 90 year’s existence. The premier went on to note, “Advanced aircraft alone do not create a decisive air force. Without skilled, disciplined, and patriotic professionals, machines cannot deliver victory.” National security is intimately linked to economic power and growth because a strong and balanced security architecture can be made only with economic growth. And the current sustained growth of the Ethiopian economy is a guarantee to the continuous growth of the Ethiopian Air Force more than any other point in its long history as at one epoch little attention was given to it.
Premier Abiy emphasized that economic strength, diplomacy, politics, and military capability must advance together as it is only then that the country can remain stable, respected, and strong for future generations. Ethiopia remains open to friendship, cooperation, and shared growth, the premier reaffirmed, underlining the country’s commitment to working closely with partners based on mutual respect and common interests.
Abiy underscored that Ethiopia has learned from history and remains determined to prevent the recurrence of challenges from external and internal forces through strength, vigilance, and unity. Prime Minister Abiy added that both friends and adversaries must clearly understand that Ethiopia is far stronger, more capable, and more advanced than outdated perceptions suggest. Ethiopia’s development trajectory is irreversible, he added, explaining that challenges and obstacles may arise, but they will only accelerate progress rather than halt it.
The 90th year celebration of the Ethiopian Air Force has hence been hailed as a moment to cherish by all those who see it as a guarantor of the country’s sovereignty, resilience and national pride. Through a strategic institutional modernization program, as outlined in the Medemer philosophy the Ethiopian Air Force is growing at a fast pace surpassing its former limited operational capacity into a modern and sophisticated world-class force that has earned the admiration of many countries particularly in Africa.
“The Air Force we witness today reflects Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and regional stability,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) remarked during the ceremony. As a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s defense strategy, the air force is an embodiment of national pride and the success of institutional reforms aimed at ensuring security besides fostering regional peace.
It should be said that the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force is a testament to the dedication, heroism, and unwavering patriotism of all the staff that served in it and all those who happened to be part of all the vicissitudes that it went through across the decades of its journey. Ethiopians are proud of it and consider it as the symbol of their confident existence in a sovereign and independent country with a long glorious history. The Ethiopian Air Force may be 90 years old, but it is equipped with the state of the art capabilities having made tremendous and sophisticated strides along its long journey. The men and women who were part of this glorious journey have been hailed and remembered as pillars of the institution they worked in and served bravely their country by taking part in frontal battles not reluctant to pay the maximum sacrifice.
