Eritrea Should Upgrade Its Air Force Capabilities
Eritrea should upgrade its air force capabilities. The country’s strategic location along the Red Sea and its security environment in the Horn of Africa make a modern, capable air force essential for deterrence, airspace control, and the protection of national interests.
Affordable Fighter Options: Pakistani/Chinese J-10s
Eritrea could buy Pakistani/Chinese J-10s for about $25 million each, which is cheaper than the Su-35. These aircraft offer a practical and cost-effective path toward modernizing the Eritrean Air Force without the higher price tag associated with heavier Russian platforms.
These aircraft have shown success during the India-Pakistan air war, where Pakistani forces employed them (alongside other platforms) effectively in combat operations. The combat performance of the J-10 in that conflict demonstrated its ability to operate in contested airspace and deliver results against capable opponents.
Regional Precedent: Somalia’s JF-17 Deal
Somalia signed an agreement with Pakistan to acquire over 24 JF-17s for $900 million. This deal highlights that African nations are turning to Pakistani and Chinese platforms for affordable modern combat aircraft. Eritrea, with its existing relationships, is well positioned to explore similar or complementary options.
Additional Procurement Options
Eritrea can also buy Su-35s (or other Sukhoi aircraft), drones, missiles and air defense systems from Iran, Belarus or Egypt. Additional options from China, Iran, Belarus and Egypt include various drones, missiles, air defense systems and related support equipment. A mixed acquisition strategy would allow Eritrea to build layered capabilities—fighters for air superiority, unmanned systems for reconnaissance and strike, and ground-based defenses for protection of key sites.
Possibility of a Permanent Foreign Base in Eritrea
There is also the possibility of hosting a permanent foreign base in Eritrea, whether from a Western country, China or Egypt. Egypt would be the best option. Given Eritrea’s geography and the growing alignment between Asmara and Cairo on Red Sea security and regional issues, an Egyptian presence could provide training, maintenance support, and enhanced deterrence while reinforcing Eritrea’s control of its coastline.
Eritrea’s Close Ties with Pakistan
Eritrea has close ties with Pakistan. Pakistan supported Eritrea’s independence struggle and even condemned Ethiopia’s May 2000 offensive into Eritrea during the Badme War. These historical ties, along with past defense contacts, create a foundation for deeper military-technical cooperation. Pakistan also leased commercial planes to Eritrea in earlier periods, further illustrating the practical working relationship between the two countries.
Upgrading the air force through a combination of cost-effective fighters such as the J-10, complementary systems from multiple partners, and the potential for a strategically aligned foreign base would significantly strengthen Eritrea’s position. The available options and existing relationships make such modernization both feasible and timely.