In a resolute embrace of self-reliance and technological sovereignty, the Ethiopian government has unveiled groundbreaking advancements in the domestic production of tactical and operational weaponry. Within the span of two days, the nation inaugurated cutting-edge facilities dedicated to the manufacturing of ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a decisive step toward consolidating its strategic autonomy. These ceremonies, graced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marked a watershed moment in Ethiopia’s defense evolution, symbolizing both its industrial ingenuity and its geopolitical aspirations.

A striking emblem of this ambition emerged as national television cameras zoomed in on one of the newly unveiled drones, revealing Prime Minister Abiy’s signature, a potent declaration of Ethiopia’s growing military prowess. Adjacent to his name, he inscribed the phrase “ይቀጥላል”, a literal affirmation that “it will continue,” yet one imbued with profound strategic intent. This inscription encapsulates more than mere persistence; it signifies Ethiopia’s steadfast determination to achieve self-sufficiency in defense systems and to emerge as a formidable supplier in the regional security landscape.

Ethiopia’s landlocked status, an enduring consequence of Eritrea’s independence, has historically rendered the nation vulnerable, curtailing its ability to exert full strategic agency over its security and defense infrastructure. This limitation became particularly stark during the 1998–2000 Ethio-Eritrea War, where, despite defending its territorial sovereignty, Ethiopia found itself subjected to an arms embargo imposed by the international community. This embargo, perceived by many within the Ethiopian state as an act of betrayal, underscored the perils of dependence on foreign sources for critical military assets. Even in the absence of formal restrictions, Ethiopia continued to grapple with external reliance, often navigating opaque networks of intermediaries to procure essential defense materiel.

The modern battlefield is increasingly defined by technological supremacy, and UAVs have emerged as indispensable force multipliers in contemporary warfare. Advanced militaries now calibrate their deterrence capabilities through the lens of cutting-edge drone technology, reflecting an irreversible shift in the nature of strategic power projection. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision aligns with this global transformation, with “ይቀጥላል” serving as both a promise and a blueprint, one that envisions Ethiopia not merely as a consumer of imported defense technologies, but as an innovator in its own right.

This trajectory suggests a future where Ethiopian engineers harness indigenous expertise and reverse engineering methodologies to develop sophisticated military systems currently sourced from external suppliers. Beyond a declaration of intent, “ይቀጥላል” embodies Ethiopia’s relentless pursuit of progress, technological mastery, and strategic resilience, an assertion that its ascent in the defense domain is not just beginning, but is irrevocably underway.

By Dareskedar Taye (PHD), Researcher, Institute of Foreign Affairs