Thread by @MahamudBille

THREAD - In this thread I'll seek to summarise my take away from the book #WingsOverOgaden which describes Air2Air encounter btw Ethiopian AF (Formerly Imperial Ethiopian Airforce IEAF) & Somali AF. This is just my take away not official historical account of the war.

first part of the thread will focus on EtAF while second will focus SomAF. Threads relating EtAF and SomAF will be preceded by EtAF & SomAF Accronyms respectively for ease of reading. In these threads it is not my intention to re-write history but learn from it. Happy Reading.

I will update the threads as continue reading the book.

EtAF- it was Emperor Haile Selasie (formerly Ras Tafari Mekonnen) first encounter of an RAF show in Aden laid seed for Military flying in Et. He was captivated by RAF biplane that he asked 4 flight in which he recognised utility of airpower in conventional wars. #WingsOverOgaden

EtAF he decided to develop Imperial Ethiopian Aviation. In his pursuit building EIAF he visited Europe to negotiate purchase of German and French made aircraft. In 1929, French legend delivered 1st Poretz 25A2 biplane ,additional 5 Fr, IT & Brit built followed #WingsOverOgaden

EtAF- In 1930, EIAF flying school was established, with 1st cadets received pilot certificate from Emperror later that year. In 1935, Italy invaded Et, from Italian Somaliland, Italian AF(Regina Aeronautica led invasion, inflicted damage to nascent EIAF who stood little chance.

EtAF - the attack made Emperor determined to build effective AF, embarked on programme to build EIAF. Post war saw arrival of foreign mil personnel to develop the EIAF, 1st arrival being African American volunteers led by Col Julian, later becoming Commander in Chief EIAF.

EtAF followed by French, Brits, Swedes etc. Emperor continued on substantial investments on acquiring different aircraft. Below are some of EIAF aircrafts. Photo credit to Tom Cooper & named individuals in the photos.

EtAF- Swedish Saab 91 Safirs, Fairey firefly Fighter Reconnaissance Mark1(FRMk), Debre Zeit AB, & Pilots of the 21st Transport Sqn in front of C-47. More modern planes joined EIAF(latterly EtAF) #WingsOverOgaden.

EtAF- Enter US Govt Support. In exchange for Access right to Radio Relying & Receiving station Kagnew (outside Asmara), Et & Americans negotiated military aid under auspice of Military Aid & Assistance (MAAG) in which former received substantial Military support.#WingsOverOgaden

EtAF -The MAAG completed comprehensive assessment of Et Military capabilities , requirements & threats which led to implementation plan, envisaged complete expansion of EtAF: 25 pilots to be trained in US, fighter bomber wing 2b equipped with 3 Fast Jet Sqns, C-47 Transport Sqn

EtAF - US Mil assistance focused on training related issues(both institutional & pesonnel training- air(new & experienced) & ground crews). Plan involved delivery of Military Hardware, new fighter jets such as F-86 Sabre, Lockhead T-33As, Sky Douglas C-54 etc #WingsOverOgaden

EtAF- due to Ltd fin resources, EtAF continued emphasising quality over Qty (decision they would come regret later) to build prof embryonic force which would serve as catalyst for future growth. In other words, only the best & fittest candidates were accepted #WingsOverOgaden

EtAF- This allowed EtAF to deploy a flight of4 F-86Fs to UN peace keeping mission in Congo Kinshasa, which in turn exposed young pilots to challenges of operating in an unfamiliar environments, airfields, participated in bombing ops against rebels (invaluable Opp to practise A2G)

EtAF- Prior arrival of Northrop F-5s, MAAG estabilised infrastructure needed to support F-5s Ops, to ensure no delay in getting new a/cs operational. 5th fighter interceptor Sqn(designated Tiger Sqn was stabilised. In tense programme of training ensued involving conversion course

EtAF- Fighter Manoevring , aircombat Manoevring, tactics& air to ground (A2G) gunnery. F-5s delivered weren't configured for AIM-9B side winder air-air(A2A) missile. Instead they were fitted with2 Colt 20mm cannons for A2A,while 75mm unguided rockets, M-117& Mk-82 GP bombs 4 A2G

EtAF- Americans delivered F-5E, a stock of AIM-9B sidewinders & 11 AN/TPS-43D early earning radars (when placed in high mountains in Ofaden) gave EtAF early warning & ability air interception Ops. At the time of Ogaden War, Et was experiencing period of political instability.

EtAF- At time of outbreak of the war, EtAF F-5s& F-5Es were performing dissimilar air combat (DACT) training- en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissimila… highly complex trying involving simulating A2A dog-fight against fighter used by 1's adversary (Mig-21) to build tactics, training & procedures.

EtAF- AF & Army Order of Battle (ORBAT) were in stark contrast. The AF developed over time into professional force with variety of aircrafts, the Army conversely bogged by Insurgency in Eritrea + continuous power struggle was in much weaker position. Photo credit Tom Cooper et al