Ethiopian Air Force Squadrons
| Squadron Number | Aircraft Type | Role | Primary Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Squadron | Su-27SK/UBK Flanker, Su-30K | Air Superiority | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| 15 Squadron | An-12 Cub, An-32 Cline | Heavy Transport | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| 17 Squadron | L-39C Albatros | Advanced Jet Training | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| 20 Squadron | Mi-17V-5, Mi-171Sh Hip | Transport/Assault | Dire Dawa AB |
| 21 Squadron | Mi-35 Hind | Attack Helicopter | Dire Dawa AB |
| 44 Squadron | MiG-23BN Flogger | Ground Attack | Bahir Dar AB |
| 33 OCU | MiG-21UM/MF Fishbed | Operational Conversion | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| Fighter Squadron | Su-25 Frogfoot | Close Air Support | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| Fighter Squadron | MiG-21 Fishbed | Fighter/Ground Attack | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| Transport Squadron | C-130B/E Hercules, L-100-30 | Tactical Transport | Addis Ababa/Debre Zeit |
| Training Unit | SF-260, Grob G 120TP | Basic Training | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| Helicopter Unit | Mi-24 Hind | Attack/Transport | Various Bases |
| Helicopter Unit | Mi-8 Hip, Alouette III | Utility/Transport | Various Bases |
| UAV Unit | Bayraktar Akinci | ISR/Strike (UCAV) | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| UAV Unit | Wing Loong UCAV | ISR/Strike | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| UAV Unit | CH-3/CH-4 Rainbow | ISR/Strike | Debre Zeit AB (Bishoftu) |
| VIP Transport | Boeing 757, Business Jets | VIP Transport | Addis Ababa/Bole |
| Regional Unit | Mixed Assets | Multi-Role | Jijiga AB |
| Regional Unit | Mixed Assets | Multi-Role | Mekele AB |
Note: This table reflects the latest available information from open sources as of 2024-2025. Squadron numbers shown include verified designations from recent sources. The primary operational base is Debre Zeit Air Base (also known as Bishoftu or Harar Meda). Recent additions to the fleet include Su-30K fighters and Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs acquired in 2024. The operational status of MiG-23BN aircraft in 44 Squadron is reported as doubtful. Not all squadron numbers are publicly known, and some units operate without confirmed numerical designations. The ETAF had approximately 90 aircraft in active inventory. The force continues to operate during ongoing operations in Amhara region and the Shabelle Offensive against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Verified squadron numbers from 2025 sources showed 5 Squadron with Su-27 and new Su-30K fighters at Debre Zeit, 15 Squadron with transport aircraft, 17 Squadron for advanced jet training, 20 and 21 Squadrons operating helicopters from Dire Dawa, and 44 Squadron with MiG-23BN at Bahir Dar. The table also includes the 33 Operational Conversion Unit for MiG-21 transition training. The information reflects 2024-2025 data including recent acquisitions like the Su-30K fighters and Bayraktar Akinci drones that were delivered in January 2024. The primary operating base remains Debre Zeit Air Base near Bishoftu, with secondary bases at Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Jijiga, and Mekele.
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