Ethiopia’s military has awarded the head of Turkish drone company Baykar what has been described as a “medal of honour” for his assistance in boosting the country’s air force during the two-year civil war in Tigray.
Ethiopia’s army chief handed over the award to Haluk Bayraktar during an annual air force show in Bishoftu, near the capital, Addis Ababa.
Mr Bayraktar stated that he “was honoured to be awarded the medal of honour” which is rarely given to foreign nationals.
Armed drones are believed to have helped turn the tide in the civil war in the federal government’s favour. The conflict ended in November last year after a peace deal was signed in South Africa.
The exact details of the award are not clear but it appears to be different from the National Medal of Honour which is normally bestowed by the country’s president.
African states are increasingly acquiring Turkish drones to fight armed groups.