Why France and Russia Sell Arms to Ethiopia

Both nations have long-standing military ties with Ethiopia, driven by strategic, economic, and diplomatic motives.

France

• History: Military aid since 19th century (First Italo-Ethiopian War).
• Strategic ally: Ethiopia is a key Horn of Africa partner for counterterrorism, AU peacekeeping, Red Sea security.
• Economic: Lucrative contracts for French defense firms (Dassault, Thales, Naval Group).
• Diplomatic leverage: Arms transfers deepen political influence—trade, investment, Francophonie.

Russia

• Soviet legacy: Major supplier during Derg era (1970s–80s); MiGs, T-72s, air defense.
• Geopolitical counterweight: Russia views Ethiopia as a partner to balance US/Western influence in the Horn.
• Revenue: Rosoboronexport earnings; spare parts, upgrades, training contracts.
• Diplomatic access: Arms channel opens high-level dialogue (e.g., Lavrov visits, Putin–Abiy summits).

Recent Context

Both supplied during the Tigray conflict (2020–2022). Ethiopia diversifies sources (also buys from Turkey, UAE, China, Israel) to avoid over-dependence.