Ethiopian Air Force Accelerates Technology Transformation and Expands Self-Reliance
The Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) has made significant advances in technology, local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities over the past six to seven years as part of a broader effort to build a more self-reliant and modern air force.
EAF Deputy Commander Brigadier General Meseret Getachew said the ongoing reform has focused on technological modernization, human-resource development and strengthening the force’s ability to independently support Ethiopia’s strategic and national security interests.
According to the deputy commander, the Air Force has transitioned from largely analog systems toward digital technologies while developing domestic capabilities in aircraft maintenance, modernization, spare-parts manufacturing and unmanned aerial systems.
Brigadier General Meseret said these efforts have progressed beyond research and theoretical development and are now being translated into practical manufacturing, maintenance and operational activities. Aircraft and unmanned systems are increasingly being maintained, upgraded and produced locally, while new technological capabilities continue to be developed.
The Air Force has also sought to maximize the use of its existing resources by repairing and upgrading equipment and developing technical solutions that were previously unavailable domestically.
The deputy commander highlighted the growth of the Air Force’s manufacturing capacity, noting that components that were once produced only in limited quantities can now be manufactured on a significantly larger scale. Hundreds of components are reportedly being produced each day, while production of some categories of spare parts has reached thousands over time.
The expansion of Ethiopia’s technical capabilities has also opened new opportunities for cooperation with other African countries. Brigadier General Meseret said the Ethiopian Air Force has signed agreements with several African nations in recent months covering professional training, aircraft and helicopter maintenance and repair, as well as other areas of technical cooperation.
The developments reflect Ethiopia’s broader efforts to strengthen domestic technological capacity, reduce dependence on foreign support and build an Air Force capable of independently maintaining and developing key aviation capabilities.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA)
The post Ethiopian Air Force Accelerates Technology Transformation and Expands Self-Reliance appeared first on Ethio Affairs.
