The Ethiopian Air Force has taken into service two new types from Russia: the Orion-E unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and the Yak-130 jet trainer. The new acquisitions were revealed during the Aviation Expo in late January.
The exhibition, which opened on 23 January, was part of celebrations marking the Ethiopian Air Force’s 90th anniversary. The presence of a single Orion-E marked the first public appearance of an exported model of Russia’s Orion, developed by Kronstadt Group. The aircraft has a wingspan of 16 metres, an endurance of 24 hours, and ability to carry a variety of weaponry up to 250 kg.
Russia has used the type operationally in Syria and Ukraine. Combat losses in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities to layered air defence systems, but export variants are believed to incorporate upgraded avionics, encrypted datalinks, and improved counter-measure suites.
Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev previously stated that “several contracts with foreign customers for the Orion-E MALE UAV have been signed and are being executed.”
The Orion-E joins Ethiopia’s Bayraktar TB2, Akinci, Wing Loong and Qods Mohajer-6 UAVs acquired from Turkey, China and Iran respectively. These have been used against the Tigray People’s Liberation Forces.
Also seen at Bishoftu Air Base for 90th anniversary celebrations were four Yak-130 jets. The tail numbers on the aircraft (2301, 2302, 2303, and 2306) suggested six have been delivered, possibly early in January.
The Yak-130 was designed to provide basic and advanced pilot training for Russian and foreign-made combat aircraft, including 4th+ and 5th generation fighters. The aircraft is fitted with an advanced glass cockpit and can carry 3 000 kg of weaponry.
The Yak-130s were most likely acquired as trainers for the Ethiopian Air Force’s Flanker fleet, but they can also be used as ground attack aircraft. Ethiopia operates 18 Su-27P/SK and six Su-27UB Flankers acquired in the 1990s and two Su-30K Flankers (2401 and 2402) delivered in January 2024. It is believed these two were the aircraft returned by India. It has been speculated that another four Su-30Ks were to be delivered but it does not appear they have yet been.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, speaking on 24 January during the anniversary celebrations, said Ethiopia plans to double the capacity of its air force and transition to fifth generation combat aircraft by 2030, and the government has identified a clear plan, budget and funding sources accordingly (GDP has been growing at about 10% a year). He added that technology alone cannot build a capable force, highlighting the importance of human capital and professional training
The Prime Minister said Ethiopia has outgrown outdated perceptions of its military and strategic capacity. “Our door is open to our friends,” Abiy said. “But regarding our enemies, we will not sleep when it comes to protecting Ethiopia’s honour, unity, and national interest.”
Meanwhile, Belarus’s State Military-Industrial Committee recently reported that Belarusian unmanned aerial vehicle systems and electronic warfare equipment have undergone testing in Ethiopia and are already carrying out combat duty in the region.
