Defense Engineering College was established in 1997 by the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defense (MoND) to produce highly professional and technically efficient military. The driving force for establishing DEC, among other things, was that MoND did not have sufficient technical military personnel and that the higher institutions did not have programs compatible with the demands of MoND

At the time of its inception, the College ran two engineering degree programs-mechanical and electrical. Those programs embraced seven specializations, namely, design, manufacturing, metallurgy, mechanical power, communications, electrical power, and instrumentation. Later, computer science and engineering, armament technology, civil engineering and chemical engineering were added

So far, the College has graduated many engineers whose impact can be felt in the Ministry ranging from production and maintenance to institutional leadership.

Our Vission: To be a center of excellence in engineering education, research and services through continuous and transformative learning paradigms Our Missions To produce qualified engineering professionals at undergraduate and graduate levels with defence technologies in focus, Shape students to be disciplined, knowledgeable and ready to defend the Constitution and instill aspirations to pay whatever it takes to the success of defence mission. To support the current and future combat capability of MoND through innovative and multidisciplinary research and development programs   To offer continuing education, short-term training and consultancy services To expand academic and research programs relevant to MoND and the Nation as a whole Our Values : The College takes the values of the Ministry of National Defence as guiding themes and further gathers the entire College Community around the central value of “Excellence” both at individual and institutional levels. This core value would be achieved through operational values: Creativity & Innovation Team Learning Scientific thinking Life-long learning Integrity Educational Goals Continuously Transform the College to Meet the Dynamic Needs of MoND Foster in Undergraduate and Graduate Students a Passion for Learning and a Commitment to Making a Difference in the MoND Strengthen the Engagement of the Academic Staff in Research and Development Issues Increase the Capacity of Our Faculty to Develop and Communicate Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Knowledge Attract the Best Students and Professional Staff