Ethiopia Expands Drone Manufacturing with New Facility
Ethiopia has taken a significant step toward expanding its domestic defence and technology capabilities with the inauguration of a drone manufacturing facility, aimed at producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both military and civilian purposes.
The move reflects the country’s broader ambition to strengthen its defence industry and reduce reliance on imports.
The facility, SkyWin Aeronautics Industries, was officially opened in March 2025 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who described the project as a milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. According to government sources, the factory is equipped to assemble and produce drones intended for reconnaissance, surveillance, and potential export to international markets.
While Ethiopian officials have highlighted the facility’s capacity to rapidly scale up production, specific figures regarding the number of drones manufactured to date have not been independently verified. Reports citing recent production of “300 drones in three months” remain unconfirmed by third-party sources. Analysts note that government statements emphasize capacity and ambition rather than confirmed output.
Prime Minister Abiy said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize Ethiopia’s defence sector, create high-tech jobs, and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
“This facility will allow us to produce modern UAVs for our security forces and also position Ethiopia as a technology hub in Africa,” he stated during the opening ceremony.
Observers say that the establishment of domestic drone production is particularly significant given Ethiopia’s recent security challenges, including internal conflicts and tensions along its borders.
Locally produced drones could enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities for both military and civilian applications.
Experts caution, however, that the impact of Ethiopia’s drone programme will depend on several factors, including production consistency, technological sophistication, and operational deployment.
International defence analysts also emphasize the importance of transparency regarding export policies and compliance with global regulations on unmanned aerial systems.
Despite these caveats, the SkyWin facility positions Ethiopia among a growing number of African nations investing in indigenous drone technology. It signals a strategic shift toward self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing, while also creating potential avenues for economic growth through technology transfer, skills development, and future exports.
The Ethiopian government has indicated that it plans to gradually scale up drone production, improve technical expertise among local engineers, and explore partnerships to enhance research and development in UAV technology.
