SkyWin Aeronautics Industries, Ethiopia’s first drone manufacturing plant, was inaugurated on March 8 in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as announced by the government’s office.
The factory, located in Addis Ababa, is capable of producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both civilian and military use. It highlights Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve technological self-sufficiency in the defense sector.
During the inauguration ceremony, Abiy Ahmed emphasized the factory’s innovative capabilities, particularly its production of drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and single-use attack drones.
"This industry is part of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to attain technological autonomy in the security sector. Today, our country has developed the capacity not only to produce and operate drones but also to export them," stated Abiy Ahmed.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that "our ability to produce drones with diverse capabilities, designed and built by our own young professionals, marks a significant milestone."
He added that to sustain these advancements, Ethiopia must invest in continuous research, expand its market reach, and strengthen local production of smart sensor technologies.
"We are developing these capabilities, along with advancements at Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry, not to fuel conflicts, but to prevent them. Through deterrence, we aim to ensure peace and stability in the face of hostile actors," the Prime Minister emphasized.
The inauguration of SkyWin Aeronautics Industries follows a series of recent achievements, including the maiden flight of Sun 2, a locally designed and developed aircraft by the Ethiopian Air Force. These initiatives underscore Ethiopia’s determination to become a key player in defense and technology across Africa.
