— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that Ethiopia will not surrender its national interests “in a meek, weak, short-term victory,” vowing that the country “will not give up its struggle.” He emphasized that the government’s next major task is to safeguard Ethiopia’s strategic and national interests.

The Prime Minister delivered the remarks during a ceremony at the Ethiopian Air Force headquarters in Bishoftu, marking the 90th anniversary of its establishment. As Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, Abiy highlighted the Air Force’s resilience, noting it has experienced “many highs and many lows” over the past nine decades.

Praising the institution as “awesome” and “great,” Abiy said its current strength is the result of cumulative efforts by successive governments. He asserted that it is “boldly possible to say” the Air Force has reached its highest level of efficiency in its history.

Abiy further announced that the government has begun collaborating with major manufacturers, outlining clear plans, budgets, and resources to double the Air Force’s capacity within five years. He revealed that the force is currently developing fourth-generation combat capabilities, with plans to transition to fifth-generation technology by 2030 and double its fleet size.

The Prime Minister said that our current system relies on achieving victory through flesh and blood. To avoid this, we need to strengthen and increase the Air Force. He explained that the new direction will focus on firepower, precision strikes, destroying strongholds, and shortening battles.

The Prime Minister stressed that Ethiopia is “opening its doors” to friends but must ensure those doors remain “properly closed” to enemies. He accused adversaries of working diligently over the past century to weaken Ethiopia’s capabilities, obstruct its strategic interests, and divide the nation.

“We will not rest in defending Ethiopia’s honor, unity, and national interests against our enemies,” Abiy declared. “What I want both friends and foes to understand is that Ethiopia is more than you know. It is a country beyond your imagination.”

He added that only harmony, cooperation, and growth with Ethiopia will yield positive outcomes, warning that any other approach would “cause disaster.” Addressing unnamed countries, Abiy criticized reliance on outdated military technology, saying: “When SU-30s, JC-10s, or other technologies are mentioned, some are confused and ask, ‘What is this?’ Countries still relying on MiG-21s must understand that Ethiopia is not stuck in the past.”

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Air Force has been accused of carrying out numerous strikes against its own population, targeting civilians and public service institutions during the two-year Tigray War, as well as in Oromia and, more recently, in Amhara.