Ethiopian Air Force has acquired Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey and Russian Sukhoi Su-30K combat aircraft as part of its ongoing modernization efforts. The Su-30K aircraft were officially introduced into service during a ceremony, and the Chief of General Staff emphasized the importance of these acquisitions in preventing attacks on Ethiopia. The Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force highlighted that the new Su-30s are capable of destroying enemy targets both in the air and on land.
The Su-30Ks acquired by Ethiopia are believed to be part of a batch originally manufactured for the Indian Air Force in 1997-1999. These aircraft were returned to Russia in 2007 and replaced by more modern Su-30MKI models. After being stored in Belarus, 18 Su-30Ks were acquired by Angola in 2013, with 12 of them later upgraded to Su-30SM standard. Ethiopia seems to have acquired the remaining six Su-30Ks, with the last four yet to be delivered.
In addition to the Su-30Ks, Ethiopia has obtained Baykar Bayraktar Akinci UAVs. These drones were first observed in November, and they have been seen with underwing MAM-L missiles manufactured by Roketsan. The Akinci UAVs have a maximum altitude of 11,000 meters and a 25-hour endurance. These new UAVs are likely to be used in combat, against the Tigray People’s Liberation Forces, alongside other UAVs acquired from China (Wing Loong) and Iran Qods Mohajer-6.
Ethiopia's modernization efforts involve strengthening its air force with both combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance its defense capabilities.
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