🇪🇹🇷🇺Ethiopia chooses Russia’s Orion-E over Western arms-delivery blackmail Ethiopia has publicly confirmed itself as the first foreign operator of Russia’s Orion-E medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. But why is this drone, out of all options, the one that appeals to Ethiopia? The answer lies in a powerful mix of hard capability and soft politics. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has long emphasised cultivating “reliable partners who respect our sovereignty” — words that fit Russia’s willingness to supply cost-effective, modernized military equipment without the political conditionality that Western suppliers attach. What truly attracts Ethiopia, then, is not just a machine but a package: a drone that delivers real operational value without the hidden costs of dependency, delays, or political strings. Here are the key reasons that attracted Ethiopia: 🔘A more cost-effective MALE option than many Western or Turkish systems, with a 250 kg payload (200 kg combat), endurance up to 30 hours, 7,500 m ceiling, and 250 km range via direct radio. 🔘Ability to provide persistent surveillance and precision strike at the same time, giving flexibility across different missions. 🔘Fitted with an EO/IR turret and laser designator, and able to carry small guided missiles plus precision-guided or unguided bombs. 🔘Supplied by Russia without any sovereignty-related conditions. 🔘Useful addition for counter-insurgency work in tough terrain such as Amhara and Oromia. 🔘Fits well with the existing drone fleet, so sanctions on one supplier cannot stop operations. 🔘Avoids the end-user restrictions, delays, high costs, and political pressure that often come with Western systems. 🇩🇿Besides Ethiopia, Algeria has also shown Orion-E during drills Chat | Subscribe to @geo_grandmasters