Airshow held in Ethiopia
The Aviation Expo 2026, held as part of the Ethiopian Air Force’s 90th anniversary celebrations, drew military delegations and aviation industry representatives from several countries to Bishoftu.
The commemorative events, which ran from January 23 to 27, featured an international airshow and showcased the ongoing modernization of the nation’s aerial capabilities.
Speaking at the celebration on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the Air Force is set to transition to fifth-generation combat aircraft by 2030.
This initiative is part of a broader expansion and modernization plan intended to double the size of the country’s fighter fleet.
Safeguarding Ethiopia’s interests and aspirations is a duty that belongs to no one else but us Ethiopians. Protecting Ethiopia’s interests is the responsibility of Ethiopians; the support of our friends is voluntary. Whether we like it or not, we must clearly understand that… pic.twitter.com/r7XnSuBlGR
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) January 25, 2026
“While the nation keeps its doors open to friends, it must also ensure that its doors are securely closed to those who threaten its unity, dignity, and national interests,” Abiy stressed, adding that Ethiopia has “identified partners” to double its current air force strength.
“Our objective is to achieve victory by minimizing human loss through advanced technology, precision strikes, and superior capability,” Abiy added.
