Ethiopia Scales Domestic Drone Output Amid Ongoing Regional Conflicts
Addis Ababa is accelerating the manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles, a shift that analysts suggest is driven by the need for local supply chains and the complexities of low-intensity warfare.
Ethiopia has significantly expanded its domestic capacity to produce military and civilian drones, with two separate facilities now operational in the country. This development marks a strategic pivot toward self-sufficiency in aerial warfare technology, occurring as federal forces maintain sustained operations against armed groups in multiple regions. According to reports from GN geopolitics/war (en-US), the expansion reflects a broader trend in which the state seeks to reduce reliance on foreign imports while addressing logistical challenges inherent in prolonged engagements.
The move follows the prominent use of imported Turkish-made drones during the 2020-2022 conflict in Tigray, where air power played a decisive role in reversing the advance of regional forces toward the capital. Since then, the deployment of unmanned systems has broadened to include the Amhara and Oromia regions. Analysts estimate that the Ethiopian federal army may now command a fleet numbering in the thousands, establishing it as the primary military operator of armed drones in the country.
Domestic production facilities emerge
The most visible step in this industrial push occurred in March 2025, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the SkyWin Aeronautics Industries factory in Addis Ababa. State media described the facility as a hub for designing and building unmanned aerial vehicles intended for both civilian and military applications. The government framed the initiative as a measure for deterrence rather than aggression, aiming to prevent conflict through the credible threat of air superiority.
However, questions remain regarding the extent of local technological capability. Pieter Wezeman, a researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, noted that observing drones at a factory provides limited insight into actual production volume. He suggested that a substantial portion of the technology and components likely remains imported. Similarly, Jeremy Binnie of Janes observed that the SW01 drone displayed during the inauguration closely resembles commercially available Chinese models, raising doubts about the degree of indigenous innovation involved.
Shift toward first-person-view systems
A second facility, Aeroabay, reportedly opened in late 2025 with a focus on small, weaponised first-person-view (FPV) drones. According to Wim Zwijnenburg of the conflict-resolution organisation PAX, this site is producing thousands of these units, with individual costs estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. These systems allow operators to observe terrain remotely and deliver explosive payloads, often using fibre-optic cables for communication to mitigate electronic jamming.
The adoption of FPV drones represents a tactical shift toward lower-cost, high-volume attrition warfare. While traditional fixed-wing drones offer longer range and payload capacity, FPV systems are more adaptable for close-quarters combat and rapid deployment. This dual-track approach, combining larger surveillance platforms with smaller attack drones, suggests a comprehensive strategy to cover diverse operational requirements.
Operational use in regional conflicts
The expansion of drone capabilities coincides with intensified federal operations against insurgencies. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project indicates that 102 drone strikes have been conducted in Amhara since the Fano insurgency began in April 2023. Similar tactics have been employed in Oromia, where drones are used to target armed groups. In Tigray, at least 14 strikes have been recorded this year, including a cluster of seven in August, amid concerns over renewed mobilisation.
The human cost of these operations is a subject of significant concern. Magnus Taylor of the International Crisis Group noted that drones have been blamed for civilian casualties on several occasions. The precision of these weapons is often debated, with critics arguing that the remote nature of the attacks complicates accountability and increases the risk to non-combatants. As the conflict environment evolves, the proliferation of cheaper, more accessible drone technology may further blur the lines of engagement.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely turn to the sustainability of Ethiopia’s drone supply chain and the diplomatic implications of its growing aerial dominance. If domestic production scales as anticipated, it could reshape the balance of power in the Horn of Africa, influencing both internal stability and regional security dynamics. Observers will monitor whether this industrial expansion leads to a reduction in civilian harm or an escalation of kinetic operations.
