Addis Ababa has shown off its new unmanned capabilities at Aviation Expo 2026 as part of wider military modernization plans

Ethiopia has officially confirmed the purchase of Russian Orion-E medium-altitude long-endurance drones, becoming the first foreign operator of the system, the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs has reported.

The Orion-E unmanned aerial vehicles were showcased at Aviation Expo 2026, an international exhibition held from January 23 to 27 as part of the Ethiopian Air Force's 90th anniversary celebrations in Bishoftu.

According to the Russian aerospace manufacturer Kronstadt Group, the Orion-E has an endurance of about 24 hours and an operational radius exceeding 300km, with a cruising speed of 120km/h and a payload of up to 200kg. The drones are built to carry out target designation for armed forces units, aerial and radar reconnaissance missions, terrain surveillance, and assessment of strike results.

Ethiopia has previously acquired medium-range drones such as Turkey's Bayraktar TB2, which helped establish unmanned aerial units within its air force.

@AbiyAhmedAli / X

Speaking at the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force on Saturday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the country would transition to fifth-generation combat aircraft by 2030 as part of a broader expansion and modernization plan, which would double the size of its fighter fleet.

"While the nation keeps its doors open to friends, it must also ensure that its doors are securely closed to those who threaten its unity, dignity, and national interests," Abiy stressed, adding that Ethiopia has "identified partners" to double its current air force strength.

@AbiyAhmedAli / X

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the prime minister in Moscow, where they held talks on strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting, Putin told Abiy that Russia-Ethiopia "relations are gaining momentum across all areas, and we are very pleased that things are going that way."

After the meeting, Abiy's office said the two leaders discussed "a wide range of issues," including defense cooperation, energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

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(RT.com)