The Black Lion Air Show and Aviation Expo 2026, held between January 23 and 27 in Bishoftu, marked a transformative milestone for the Ethiopian Air Force (EtAF). This event served as the official celebration of the 90th anniversary of the EtAF, transitioning the organisation from its historical roots into a technologically advanced, modern aerial force. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and First Lady Zinash Tayachew presided over the opening ceremony, where the Prime Minister detailed a roadmap for the future of Ethiopian air power. The primary objective involves a transition to fifth-generation combat capabilities by 2030 and a doubling of the current fleet size. This expansion seeks to ensure a robust defence against evolving threats while cementing Ethiopia’s leadership in the African aviation sector.
The aerial displays at Bishoftu demonstrated a notable shift in Ethiopia’s hardware procurement and operational readiness. The most prominent feature of the show was the public debut of the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter. These advanced jets are currently replacing the ageing Su-27 fleet, which has served as the backbone of Ethiopian air superiority for decades. The Su-35 is a 4++ generation fighter that incorporates thrust vectoring engines, allowing for extreme manoeuvrability at low speeds. Its Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar can detect targets at ranges exceeding 400 kilometres; this capability provides a substantial tactical advantage over regional counterparts.
Although there were some rumours about the Russian Knights aerobatic team showcasing its Sukhoi Su-35s, there was no Su-35 present at the show between 23 and 27 January. Sources close to the matter explained to Military Africa that the first Su-35s were shipped to Ethiopia, but did not disclose where the airframes were. A few websites prematurely wrote about the Su-35 presence and even showed photos of FLANKERs at Debre, but these were simply stored Ethiopian Su-27UBs.
The procurement of the Sukhoi Su-35 by Ethiopia was confirmed through various defence press reports in 2025 and 2026, marking it as the primary successor to the Su-27SK fleet.
Multinational participation reflected a strategic diversification of Ethiopia’s military partnerships. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force deployed a contingent of F-16 Fighting Falcons and Mirage 2000 jets. These aircraft participated in formation flyovers and simulated combat demonstrations, illustrating the high degree of interoperability between the UAE and the EtAF. Morocco also contributed F-16s to joint precision strike drills, focusing on shared training protocols and tactical coordination. This involvement from both Gulf and North African partners demonstrates a movement toward decentralised security alliances. By engaging with various suppliers and allies, Addis Ababa reduces its reliance on any single global power while simultaneously addressing localised threats such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS affiliates.
The UAE presence was 3x F-16E, 3x Mirage 2000-9EAD and six AH-64E Longbows to Debre Zeyit. Detailed participation of the UAE and Morocco in joint exercises reflects bilateral defence agreements signed between 2018 and 2024.
The technical and industrial component of the event took place at the Aviation Expo 2026, themed “Flying Forward, Building a Shared Future.” This portion of the program brought together government officials, industry leaders, and defence contractors from the UAE, Russia, the Czech Republic, China, India, South Africa, Belarus, and Türkiye. The expo emphasised five core pillars: advanced aerospace technology, sustainable green innovation, airspace modernisation, workforce training, and industrial collaboration.
Local participants included Ethiopian Defence Industries and Ethiopian Airlines, alongside seventeen domestic general aviation operators. A key focus was on self-reliance in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Delegations from Botswana, Namibia, and Gabon specifically praised Ethiopia’s ability to maintain its own aircraft, identifying the country as a potential regional hub for military aviation support.
Cooperation with the Czech Republic was another focal point of the expo, centred on pilot training and fleet sustainment. The Czech aircraft presence included the L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA). The L-159 ALCA is a subsonic light attack and trainer jet designed for advanced pilot instruction and light combat missions. Its integration into the Ethiopian training pipeline aims to bridge the gap between basic flight schools and high-performance fighters like the Su-35. Discussions between Ethiopian and Czech officials focused on maintenance simulations and the potential for technology transfers regarding radar systems and flight simulators. These technical exchanges are essential for the EtAF’s goal of expanding its fleet to over 100 aircraft by the end of the decade. However, the Czechs were not there at all.
The diplomatic weight of the event was reinforced by the inaugural Future African Air Forces Forum (FAAFF). This forum hosted 38 air force commanders from across the continent to explore collaborative approaches to peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. The presence of such a wide array of military leadership positions positions Ethiopia as a central actor in pan-African defence diplomacy. Discussions within the FAAFF prioritised the integration of littoral and non-littoral security arrangements; this is a vital consideration given the current tensions in the Red Sea arena. Joint demonstrations by participating nations served as a preview of potential cooperative patrols aimed at securing maritime corridors and deterring non-state actors.
Economic growth and national security were linked in the Prime Minister’s address, where he noted that Ethiopia’s 9.2 per cent economic expansion requires a balanced security architecture to survive. The plan to double air force capacity is supported by identified funding sources and strategic partnerships with international manufacturers. While the aim for fifth-generation jets by 2030 is ambitious, the current integration of 4++ generation hardware suggests a logical progression toward that goal. The transition involves not only purchasing new airframes but also developing the human capital necessary to operate complex systems. Abiy Ahmed emphasised that skilled, disciplined professionals are the true source of victory, regardless of the sophistication of the machinery they operate.
Environmental sustainability also appeared on the expo agenda, as the EtAF explores green innovation in aviation. This includes researching sustainable aviation fuels and more efficient engine technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of military operations. While combat readiness remains the priority, the inclusion of sustainable practices reflects a forward-thinking approach to aerospace development. This aligns with global trends where air forces seek to modernise infrastructure while acknowledging environmental constraints. The presence of Belarusian and Indian firms specialising in infrastructure development suggests that Ethiopia is looking for varied perspectives on building a resilient and future-ready aviation ecosystem.
The Black Lion Air Show 2026 was a bold expression of national spirit and military excellence. By combining a major historical anniversary with high-level defence diplomacy and an industrial exhibition, Ethiopia has shown its intent to lead the continent’s aviation future. The successful execution of the show, involving precision formations and joint performances, reinforces Ethiopia’s deterrence posture. The event served as a clear signal to both friends and adversaries that the EtAF is stronger and more capable than previous perceptions might suggest. As the celebrations concluded on January 27, the focus shifted to the implementation of the 2030 roadmap, which will define the next chapter of Ethiopian air power.