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Military


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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