Ethiopia has taken an important step toward rebuilding its navy by signing a cooperation agreement with Russia, a move prompted by the apparent collapse of an earlier partnership with France.
On a recent Friday, a Russian Navy delegation, led by Deputy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Vorobyev, visited Ethiopian naval facilities and a training center in Bishoftu, roughly 30 miles south of Addis Ababa.
During this visit, the two nations formalized their commitment to collaborate on training and capacity building, with Russia pledging to support Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its naval forces. This agreement builds on an initial visit by Russian naval officials in 2022 and reflects a deepening partnership aimed at enhancing Ethiopia’s maritime readiness.
Commodore Jamal Tufisa, Deputy Commander of Operations in the Ethiopian Navy, emphasized that the collaboration would strengthen the navy’s ability to protect Ethiopia’s interests in international waters.
The Ethiopian Navy has a storied past, though it has faced significant challenges. Once known as the Imperial Ethiopian Navy until 1974, it was a modest but capable force founded in the 1950s. However, the navy was disbanded in 1996 following Eritrea’s independence in 1991, which left Ethiopia landlocked and without direct access to the sea.
For years afterward, Ethiopia maintained only a maritime institute on Lake Tana, training over 500 marine engineers and electro-technical officers annually, with plans to double that number.
The push to revive the navy gained momentum in 2018 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office and declared his intention to restore Ethiopia’s naval capabilities. “We should build our naval force capacity in the future,” he stated, signaling a shift in national policy.
Initially, Ethiopia turned to France for assistance. In 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Ethiopia, leading to a defense cooperation agreement that included support for rebuilding the navy.
By January 2020, Ethiopia officially reestablished its naval force, as announced by Defence Minister Lema Megersa on state television, though the location of its bases remained unclear due to the country’s landlocked status.
France provided some training and expertise, and in early 2024, a letter of intent was signed to further develop the navy with French support. Discussions also extended to bolstering Ethiopia’s aerospace capabilities, with talks of acquiring helicopters, aircraft, and other advanced equipment. Despite these efforts, the partnership with France faltered, leaving Ethiopia to seek alternative allies.
The turn to Russia comes at a critical juncture, driven in part by the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the Red Sea region, where Ethiopia seeks to establish a naval presence to ensure safety and security. The 2023 graduation of Ethiopian naval personnel, trained in navigation, engineering, communication, and armament by both foreign and domestic instructors, strengtening the country’s ongoing commitment to this goal.
It is not yet known how Ethiopia plans to operate its new naval force, seeing as Djibouti has denied agreeing to host the Ethiopian navy reports from various Ethiopian media claimed the new navy would be based in Djibouti.
The new agreement with Russia not only provides Ethiopia with a fresh source of expertise but also aligns with Russia’s strategic interests. Russia has been exploring options for a permanent naval base in the Indian Ocean, with Sudan’s Port Sudan recently mentioned as a potential site. However, Sudan’s ongoing civil war may complicate those plans, making cooperation with Ethiopia a timely opportunity for Moscow.
This partnership marks a pragmatic shift for Ethiopia as it works to expand its pool of foreign collaborators and rebuild a navy capable of safeguarding its interests. While the country remains landlocked, its pursuit of seaport access and a modern naval force reflects a broader ambition to reassert its influence in the region.
For Russia, the agreement offers a foothold in the Horn of Africa, potentially strengthening its position amid shifting global alliances. As Ethiopia continues to train personnel and develop its capabilities, the collaboration with Russia could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its naval aspirations.
