Defense Minister calls for consolidation of African Air Forces collaboration

Addis Ababa, December 14, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Defense Minister Abraham Belay has called for the strengthening of collaboration of African air force chiefs and leaders today.

Speaking at the Future African Air Forces Forum (FAAF) held in connection with the 88th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force in Bishoftu town, the minister noted that the consultative, exploratory and networking forum is aimed at setting the rightful tone of collaboration and high value.

The first if its kind forum to be hosted by the Ethiopian Air Force has brought together air force chiefs and senior leaders from across Africa along with defense companies and experts to discuss achievements, challenges and the future goals of the continent’s air forces.

In his remarks, the defense minister emphasized the need to “set the right tone for collaboration and set the bar higher than ever” when shaping their individual and collective visions for building futuristic capabilities.

The Ethiopian Air Force, one of the earliest on the continent, has always played a key role in aviation advancement, including spurring the birth of Ethiopian Airlines, now Africa’s top carrier.

According to Abraham, embracing long-term thinking, research, innovation and absorbing new technologies as key to sustainable air force modernization are crucial for the continent.

As a “hub of excellence” in African air power, Ethiopia is committed to fostering greater pan-African aerospace and defense industry partnerships, the minister said.

Ethiopian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa said on the occasion that the purpose of the forum is to lay a foundation that brings together dispersed capabilities that all have to a platform through which they can benefit from.

“It is believed that this forum also serves as a platform for enhancing and advancing air force capabilities that will help build pillars of bilateral and multilateral partnership,” the commander added.

Furthermore, the forum will set a direction through which African air force capabilities will be coordinated in countering security challenges such as terrorism and piracy the continent is facing, he added.

Lieutenant General Yilma further said that the Ethiopian Air Force has been supporting many brotherly African countries in close air support, air reconnaissance, training and air transport since its establishment in 1935.