Ethiopia’s Airpower Exposed – Black Lion Airshow 2026

What unfolded at Debre Zeit Air Base during the Black Lion Airshow 2026 was nothing short of astonishing. Few events in recent years have managed to surprise even seasoned aviation enthusiasts to this extent, and fewer still have done so with such quiet confidence. What had long been perceived as a largely inaccessible and discreet air arm suddenly revealed itself in full view—open, expansive, and unapologetically impressive. The sheer scale of what the Ethiopian Air Force chose to present, both on the ground and in the air, defied expectations and left many visitors searching for words.

Aircraft normally associated with restricted access were positioned just meters away from the public, frontline fighters flew disciplined and powerful routines, and helicopters and unmanned systems filled the flight line in numbers rarely seen at a first-time public event. For many, the Black Lion Airshow felt like a hidden gem suddenly discovered—an aviation enthusiast’s wonderland that few had anticipated and even fewer will forget. Even at this early stage of the year, it already stands as a strong contender for the aviation highlight of 2026, setting a benchmark that will be difficult to match.

For now, only a small selection of images from the Black Lion Airshow 2026 is being presented here on the website. A comprehensive feature article, accompanied by a much larger photo set, is already in preparation and will be published in a magazine at a later stage. Once that publication has appeared, the full article and extended imagery will also be made available here.

Even this initial preview, however, offers a first impression of the scale and significance of the event. Held at Debre Zeit Air Base south of Addis Ababa, the Black Lion Airshow marked the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force and provided a rare public look at an institution that normally operates well beyond public view. The static display on the opening day was particularly extensive and unusually accessible, with no ropes or barriers separating visitors from the aircraft. Frontline combat aircraft, trainers, helicopters, transport types, and unmanned systems were positioned for close inspection, presenting a broad snapshot of Ethiopian airpower past and present.

Among the most notable assets on display were Su-27 fighters in several variants, including airframes carrying mission markings from past combat operations, as well as the recently inducted Su-30K multirole fighters, which were shown publicly only on the first day. Advanced and basic training aircraft such as the Yak-130, L-39, and Grob G 120TP highlighted the Air Force’s emphasis on pilot training and fleet sustainability. Rotary-wing aviation featured prominently, with Mi-35 attack helicopters and Mi-8/17 transport helicopters illustrating the backbone of Ethiopia’s helicopter force. The appearance of the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle added a further dimension, underlining the growing role of UAVs in Ethiopian operations.

The flying display complemented the static exhibition with helicopter formations, Sukhoi fighter demonstrations, and precise trainer formations, culminating in a disciplined and visually striking program. More detailed analysis, background, and a full photographic overview will follow once the main article has been released in print.

Black Lion Airshow 2026, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia- Photo Gallery