Ethiopian Air Force

The Ethiopian Air Force (ETAF) is structured as a conventional air arm of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), with a hierarchy that includes a Chief of the Air Force, currently Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, under the command of the ENDF Chief of General Staff. Its organization encompasses several air bases, including key facilities at Harar Meda (Central), Dire Dawa (Eastern), Mekele (Northern), and Bahir Dar (Western). The force is organized into various squadrons, including fighter, ground attack, transport, and training units. Since 2018, the ETAF has undergone defense reforms aimed at improving military professionalism, though challenges in coordination and resources persist.

The ETAF's primary strategic doctrine is centered on the defense of national airspace, providing close air support to ground forces, and conducting independent strategic strikes. This doctrine also extends to participating in peacekeeping missions and developing electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. A core objective is to achieve air superiority to secure national interests. Historically, the ETAF has relied on a mix of Eastern and Western bloc equipment and training, adapting its doctrine to the prevailing geopolitical context and available technology.

Operationally, the ETAF has a long history of combat experience. In recent years, it has been heavily involved in the Tigray War, conducting airstrikes against TPLF targets, including arms depots and military bases. Air operations have continued against the Oromo Liberation Army in Oromia, where an L-39 was shot down by ground fire in August 2026. The conflict highlighted both the ETAF's capabilities and its vulnerabilities. It effectively used its fighter-bombers, such as the MiG-23 and Su-25, and Mi-35 attack helicopters for close air support missions. However, the ETAF also suffered losses, including a MiG-23, a Mi-35 helicopter, and an L-100 transport aircraft, to ground fire. The war also saw the deployment of newly acquired armed drones.

Recent acquisitions include Su-30 fighter jets from Russia and Bayraktar Akinci and TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey, in addition to Mohajer-6 drones from Iran and Chinese Wing Loong UAVs. These systems represent a qualitative leap in the ETAF's long-range strike and surveillance capabilities. The trainer aircraft fleet is also being updated with the procurement of German-made Grob G 120TPs, and Russia delivered Yak-130 advanced jet trainers in January 2026. This modernization effort aims to enhance the ETAF's operational readiness and project it as one of Africa's leading air forces by 2030.