Ethiopian Air Force

The Ethiopian Air Force is the air component of the Ethiopian National Defense Force and is responsible for the country's aerial defense. Formed in 1929, it is one of the oldest air forces in Africa. The primary role of the air force is to provide support to ground forces during combat operations and to safeguard Ethiopia's airspace. The organization is equipped with various aircraft types for surveillance, reconnaissance, transport, and combat missions. Notable assets include fighter jets such as the Mikoyan MiG-23, transport aircraft like the Antonov An-32, and helicopters such as the Mil Mi-8. The Ethiopian Air Force has participated in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping operations, both within Ethiopia and abroad, including deployments to Sudan and Somalia. The air force also undertakes search and rescue operations, humanitarian missions, and assists in disaster relief efforts. It maintains a diverse range of capabilities to meet its operational requirements and ensure the defense of Ethiopia's air sovereignty.

Key facts

Official Name	Ethiopian Air Force
Local Name	የኢትዮጵያ አየር ሃይል (YeItyopya Ayer Hayl)
Country	🇪🇹 Ethiopia
World rank	#76
Active aircrafts	89 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	0
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	31
Training	26
Combat aircrafts	23
Transport	9

Aircrafts most used by Ethiopian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Su-27 Flanker	20	Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
Mi-8 Hip	14	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
L-39 Albatros	10	Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
MiG-23 Flogger	9	Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	8	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
G-120	6	German trainer aircraft, utilized worldwide for military pilot training, developed in the late 20th century.
Mi-24 Hind	6	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
SF-260	4	Italian light military trainer, globally utilized since the 1960s, renowned for its aerobatic capabilities and air force service.
An-12 Cub	3	Soviet cargo aircraft, significantly deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for military transport.
DHC-6 Twin Otter	3	Canadian utility aircraft, vital in civil and military operations worldwide since the 1960s, famous for its STOL capabilities.

Full inventory in 2024