Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting continues to intensify in the northern Tigray region, near the border with Eritrea.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the acquisition while attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, describing the delivery as a milestone for Ethiopia’s defence capabilities.
Abiy said the aircraft arrived ahead of schedule under an agreement reached with Russia several years ago. He also confirmed that Ethiopia planned to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow.
Abiy Says Military Equipment Is Needed to Protect Ethiopia
The Ethiopian prime minister said the new military equipment was necessary to defend the country against external threats.
He described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia and said the country had become the first in sub-Saharan Africa to possess this type of advanced combat technology.
“If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult. Countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied,” Abiy said.
He explained that Ethiopia’s decision to procure the aircraft and air defence systems was influenced by developments in global air forces and the security challenges facing the country.
Planned S-400 Systems to Strengthen Air Defence
Abiy said Ethiopia’s agreement with Russia covered both the Su-35 fighter jets and the planned S-400 air defence systems.
He highlighted the Su-35’s ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, as well as detect and neutralise incoming cruise missiles at distances of up to 200 kilometres.
Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the acquisition suggested Ethiopia was preparing for potential conflicts with other countries in addition to its internal fighting.
He said the aircraft were highly manoeuvrable and could cover large areas, with radar systems capable of long-range scanning and supporting air superiority.
Qalaab added that combining the fighter jets with the S-400 systems could help protect major cities and critical infrastructure, including Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Ethiopia Continues to Expand Its Drone Capabilities
Abiy said drones remained an important part of Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its military deterrence alongside advanced fighter aircraft.
Ethiopia has made extensive use of military drones in recent conflicts, including equipment sourced from Turkey and China.
“We need to build capacity not only with drones, but also with the fourth generation capabilities of the Su 30 and Su 35 [aircraft],” Abiy said.
Military Agreements Between Russia and Ethiopia
Russia and Ethiopia have signed several military agreements in recent years. A 2021 agreement included provisions for military training and improvements in military technology.
Abiy said the agreement to procure the Su-35 aircraft and S-400 systems had been reached several years ago, with the latest delivery forming part of Ethiopia’s wider defence plans.
Renewed Fighting in Tigray Raises Regional Tensions
The arrival of the Russian fighter jets comes as a new round of fighting continues in northern Tigray. The conflict began last month between Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the party that controls the region.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the 2022 agreement that ended a civil war.
Ethiopia has also accused neighbouring Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, an allegation Eritrea denies.
Ethiopia and Eritrea Remain at Odds Over Sea Access
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain tense, with Abiy describing Ethiopia’s lack of direct access to the sea as an existential issue.
Eritrea has viewed Ethiopia’s position as a threat to its sovereignty.
Eritrea gained independence in 1993 following a decades-long war with Ethiopia, leaving Ethiopia without direct access to the sea.
