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🇪🇹Aviation: It was recently revealed during the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force that Ethiopia has purchased at least six Yak-130 advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft. The Yak-130 is primarily designed to train military pilots for operating modern 4th- and 5th-generation fighter jets. The purchase of the Yak-130 suggests that Ethiopia may have formalized, or is actively pursuing, the acquisition of 4++ generation or next-generation fighter platforms. Multiple reports in recent years have indicated Ethiopian interest in the Su-35 air-dominance multirole fighter, which would significantly enhance the ETAF’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat and air superiority capabilities. Alternatively, Ethiopia could diversify its Air force structure by selecting China’s J-10C, a multirole fighter noted for its advanced AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and network-centric combat capabilities. There is also growing speculation that Ethiopia may seek to purchase one or two squadrons of 5th-generation fighters, following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s statement during the 90th Air Force anniversary ceremony that the Air Force intends to transition toward 5th generation capability. Potential candidates could include Russia’s export variant Su-57E or China’s J-35E, both of which would represent a substantial leap in stealth, sensor fusion, and survivability for the ETAF. Recent reports indicate that Algeria is currently the only African nation operating 5th-generation Su-57 fighters. Whether Ethiopia will follow a similar trajectory remains to be seen, but the acquisition of the Yak-130 strongly suggests a long-term modernization roadmap focused on high end air combat capabilities.