Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia and will also receive four batteries of the S-400 air defense system, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Wednesday during a visit to Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit.In a statement posted on X, Abiy said the advanced 4++ generation multirole fighters arrived a year ahead of the previously agreed schedule under an existing bilateral agreement.
“I would like to express my gratitude to my friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, for his dedication in ensuring we received these warplanes a year ahead of our agreed schedule,” Abiy said.He described the acquisitions as a major milestone in strengthening Ethiopia’s national security and the ability to “preemptively deter aggression.” Abiy added that the new jets would help defend Ethiopian airspace and place the country among the better-equipped air forces in sub-Saharan Africa.
Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport confirmed that the first batch of two Su-35 aircraft was handed over to the Ethiopian Air Force on Wednesday.
Photos and video released by Ethiopian officials show aircraft bearing Ethiopian markings (including numbers 2551 and 2552) at a ceremony near Moscow, attended by Abiy and Russian officials.No details were given on the total value of the deal, payment terms, exact basing locations, or the delivery timeline for the four S-400 batteries.
The announcement comes as Ethiopia faces renewed security challenges, including fighting in the Tigray region and heightened tensions with neighboring Eritrea.