Ethiopia has begun mass-producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both civilian and military applications, marking a significant step in its technological advancement. The initiative aims to bolster national defense while also positioning Ethiopia as an exporter in the growing drone market.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently inaugurated Sky Wing Industry, a company dedicated to manufacturing drones for commercial and military use. In a statement on his social media, he emphasized the remarkable progress made in local drone production, which was once considered unattainable.
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“Our ability to produce drones with diverse capabilities—designed and built by our own young professionals—is a significant milestone. To sustain this progress, we must invest in continuous research, expand our market reach, and strengthen local production of smart sensor technologies,” he stated.
The newly developed drones are engineered for high-altitude operations and come equipped with counter-drone capabilities to neutralize airborne threats. They also leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance performance, making them adaptable for various tactical missions, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and both defensive and offensive operations.
While these UAVs are intended for international trade, their primary role remains to strengthen Ethiopia’s defense capabilities. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that these advancements, along with developments at Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry, are aimed at deterrence rather than conflict.
To further solidify Ethiopia’s position in drone innovation, he called for increased research, development, and collaboration among key stakeholders in the industry.
Source: Business Insider Africa
