Ethiopia’s history is deeply intertwined with wars of self-defense, resistance, and sovereignty. From the ancient Axumite Empire to the 21st-century challenges, Ethiopia has faced countless invasions, not to conquer others but to protect its borders and independence. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed eloquently stated during the 129th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, Ethiopians understand the horrors of war and strive to avoid it. Yet, when forced to fight, they do so with unwavering determination to secure peace and victory.
This spirit was vividly demonstrated 47 years ago during the Ethiopian-Somali war. Ethiopia has always viewed Somalia as a neighbor bound by shared blood, religion, and culture. However, Somali leaders of old days , driven by the ambition of creating a "Greater Somalia," sought to annex Ethiopian territories up to the Awash River. This dream led to a full-scale invasion in the late 1960s, culminating in 1968 when Somali forces, under the leadership of Ziad Barre, occupied vast stretches of Ethiopian land—300 kilometers in the southeast and 700 kilometers in the east.
At the time, Ethiopia was grappling with internal political changes, which delayed its response to the invasion. Despite calls from friendly nations for Somalia to withdraw, Barre’s forces pressed forward, emboldened by their initial successes. Compounding Ethiopia’s challenges was an arms embargo imposed by the United States, which severely limited its ability to defend itself. Realizing that diplomacy had failed, Ethiopia mobilized its forces under the leadership of Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam. The call to arms resonated across the nation, uniting Ethiopians of all ages in a collective effort to defend their homeland.
The Ethiopian Air Force, known as the "Sky Tigers," emerged as a critical force in turning the tide of the war. Despite being outnumbered and equipped with outdated aircraft, the Sky Tigers combined exceptional skill, courage, and strategic ingenuity to dominate the skies. Their efforts were instrumental in dismantling Somalia’s military ambitions.
In his book *Wings over Ogaden: The Ethiopian-Somali War, 1978-79*, Austrian military analyst Tom Cooper highlights the bravery of Ethiopian pilots and their pivotal role in securing victory. Among the heroes were Brigadier General Legesse Tefera, Colonel Bacha Hunde, Colonel Mengistu Kasa, Colonel Bezabeh Petros, and Lieutenant General Afework Kidanu, who led daring air campaigns to reclaim Ethiopian skies.
One of the most dramatic moments occurred on July 17, 1969, when Somali jets attempted to shoot down an Ethiopian civilian aircraft in violation of international law. Colonel Bezabeh Petros, piloting an F-5E, intercepted the attackers and scored his first aerial kill, forcing the remaining Somali jets to retreat. The following day, Ethiopian pilots engaged a larger Somali force, shooting down multiple MiG-21 and MiG-17 fighter jets in a series of daring dogfights. These victories not only crippled Somalia’s air capabilities but also demonstrated Ethiopia’s resolve to defend its sovereignty.
The Sky Tigers’ success extended beyond Ethiopia’s borders, as they ventured into Somali airspace to neutralize threats. Their actions preserved Ethiopia’s honor, unity, and independence, proving that courage and determination could overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Today, the Ethiopian Air Force continues to uphold its legacy as a formidable guardian of the nation’s skies. Equipped with advanced technology and a commitment to excellence, it stands ready to repel any aggression and protect Ethiopia’s sovereignty. Its motto, "The sky is ours!" reflects its unwavering dedication to defending the nation’s airspace and ensuring peace for its people.
The Ethiopian Air Force has also played a crucial role in regional security, particularly in combating threats like Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Its strategic capabilities and relentless pursuit of excellence have made it a symbol of pride for Ethiopia and a deterrent to those who might threaten its peace.
In times of crisis and in moments of calm, the Ethiopian Air Force remains a steadfast protector of the nation’s skies, honoring the sacrifices of those who came before and inspiring future generations to uphold the legacy of the Flying Tigers.