Ethiopia Secures Russian Fighter Jets to Bolster National Defence

Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting intensified in the northern Tigray region neighbouring Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, characterized the delivery as a milestone designed to enhance the nation's defensive capabilities.

Abiy stated that the government arranged the purchase several years ago and noted that the warplanes arrived ahead of schedule. During his remarks, he also mentioned plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow. He identified Russian President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia and stated that the country is now the first in sub-Saharan Africa to possess this advanced combat technology.

Emphasising regional security, Abiy stated that failing to build such military capability would make national survival difficult in the surrounding region. He explained that the procurement responds to global air force trends and external security threats, noting that the Su-35 is equipped for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat with long-range cruise missile detection capabilities.

Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the acquisition indicates preparation for potential interstate conflicts beyond internal disputes. According to Qalaab, the maneuverable jets feature radars that provide air superiority and long-range scanning. Combined with planned air defence systems, the hardware creates significant capability to protect major cities and critical infrastructure like the Renaissance Dam.

Russia and Ethiopia have formalised multiple military pacts in recent years, including a 2021 agreement focused on military training and technology improvement. Alongside the newly delivered Russian aircraft, Abiy highlighted that the utilisation of drones remains vital for strengthening national deterrence.