The history of the Ethiopian Airforce (ETAF) dates back to the early 1920s when the late Emperor Haileselasie dispatched a group of young persons to France in 1929 to be trained as pilots. This effort was tragically interrupted by the war of aggression perpetrated by Fascist Italy from 1935-41. The Ethiopian Airforce cruised through various levels of development in modernizing the aerial defence system of the country and ensuring the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country.
In 1944, the Ethiopian Air Force was officially re-established with the help of British assistance. A small number of aircraft, including trainers and reconnaissance planes, were acquired.
Between 1950 and the early 1970s, Ethiopia received military aid from various countries, including the United States and the Soviet Union. The Ethiopian Air Force expanded and modernized its fleet during this time.
Between 1977 and 1978 the Ethiopian Air Force played a significant role in effectively repulsing the irredentist forces of the former leader of Somalia, Ziad Barre who waged a massive war on the Ethiopian territory to establish an empire of Greater Somalia which reportedly included parts of Eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, North Frontier District of Kenya. Soviet and Cuban assistance was crucial during this conflict.
The Ethiopian Air Force which had well-trained pilots gave ground support to the ground forces of Ethiopia which included the regular army, workers and peasant militia and demobilized members of the former Ethiopian ground forces. The former Soviet Union airlifted military hardware including various versions of MIG 23 fighter jets and ammunitions of all types for the Ethiopian Airforce while the former South Yemen State provided artillery support to the ground forces. The Cuban gallant fighters also shed their blood in solidarity with maintaining the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
1998-2000, The Ethiopian Air Force defended the territorial integrity of the country.
Between 2000-2010 The Ethiopian Air Force has undergone modernization efforts, acquiring new aircraft and equipment. It has also been involved in peacekeeping missions in the region, including contributions to United Nations missions.
Over the last five years, as part of the reform program that was conducted in the ENDF, THE Ethiopian Airforce conducted massive reform programs which among others included the modernization of the Ethiopia Air Force fleet, the introduction of high technology air defence system, modernization of the maintenance department, the introduction of technology supported modern pilot training program, automation and development of the management system by using IT resources.
The Ethiopian Airforce which has now become one of the centres of Ethiopian defence technology has already developed into a power to reckon with in setting an example for other African countries as a force for prompting and defending not only the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia but also for the promotion of pan Africanism in the area of cooperation with African countries to ensure peace in the continent.
In 2009, The Ethiopian Air Force provided remarkable logistics support that the Ethiopian Airforce transport fleet conducted in Darfur as part of the international contingent of peacekeeping forces has won it regional and international acclamation and recognition.
The 26,000-member UNAMID force needs 24 helicopters including 18 transport and six tactical helicopters to operate effectively across the Darfur region, which is as big as France, and to move the supplies and equipment necessary to carry out its mandate
The Ethiopian Airforce is currently involved in the socio-economic development of the country by providing extensive social services to the needy population of the country by rehabilitating the houses of the elderly and poor citizens and providing relief supplies to those in need of food in areas in Ethiopian which are affected by climate change-induced drought. Members of the Ethiopian Airforce delivered emergency support during various manmade and natural disasters in the country.
Recently, the EAF has started to engage in a massive agricultural development program by starting up a horticulture and grain development program to ensure its self-sufficiency in food production for the national air force.
The ETAF is also working in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines through experience-sharing programs and mutual support in developing modern aviation technology and promotion the air defense system of the country.
In its operational areas. The ETAF has provided educational support for children by renovating their schools and supplying educational materials for needy children.
Contrary to the assertions on social media, the Ethiopian Air Force has all the mandate to ensure peace and the rule of law as part of the defence forces of the country and to effectively safeguard the constitution of the FDRE, peace and unity of the nation.
As stated above, the ETAF has developed itself into one of the modern air forces in Africa not only in terms of military capability but also in providing quality training for its offices and pilots who safeguard the peace of the country round the clock. It would continue to be a reliable force for ensuring the safety of the air space of the country.
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2023
