Addis Ababa – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has announced that Ethiopia’s growing capacity to produce drones domestically will play a critical role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and sustaining its path toward prosperity.

During a visit to the Aero Abay drone manufacturing facility, Abiy emphasized that advancing military technology is not only a matter of national defense but also an essential safeguard for economic progress.

“The drones that Ethiopia is producing will help it maintain its sovereignty and continue its prosperity,” the Prime Minister stated.

Linking Defense to Development

Abiy underlined that countries experiencing rapid economic growth must also expand their defense capabilities. Without this balance, he warned, economies may become vulnerable to external pressures and security threats.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s shift from being a purchaser of foreign military technology to a producer of indigenous systems, describing it as a milestone achievement for the nation’s industrial and technological future.

Beyond Defense: A Broader Development Vision

The Prime Minister also pointed to progress across multiple sectors — agriculture, technology, tourism, and mining — as proof of Ethiopia’s untapped potential. He framed the drone production initiative as part of this broader national transformation.

“The fact that Ethiopia has started manufacturing technologies rather than purchasing them is an indication that impressive and promising results are being recorded in the sector,” Abiy said.

A New Industrial Frontier

The unveiling of domestically produced drones comes amid Ethiopia’s wider push for self-reliance in strategic industries. The move is seen as part of Abiy’s broader vision to position Ethiopia as both a regional power and a competitive economy built on innovation, resilience, and sovereignty.