Ethiopia has received 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed describing the acquisition as a "milestone" that will enhance the nation's defense capacity. The deal, agreed upon several years ago, also includes plans to acquire four S-400 air defense systems from Moscow, according to Ahmed.
Ahmed, who is attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, stated that the military hardware is essential for protecting Ethiopia from external threats. He indicated that Ethiopia is now the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to possess such 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," Ahmed said.
The Su-35 is equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and can detect incoming cruise missiles up to 200 kilometers away. Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the acquisition suggests Ethiopia is preparing for potential conflicts with other nations, not solely internal issues. Segatu noted the jets' maneuverability, radar capabilities for air superiority, and long-range scanning as significant assets.
Combined with the air defense systems, these acquisitions are expected to create a substantial capability to protect critical infrastructure, such as the Renaissance Dam, and ensure air superiority. Ahmed also emphasized the importance of drones, alongside advanced aircraft like the Su-30 and Su-35, in strengthening deterrence. Ethiopia has previously utilized drones sourced from Turkey and China in recent conflicts.
The arrival of the new military hardware coincides with intensified fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which began last month between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides accuse each other of violating a 2022 agreement that ended a civil war. Ethiopia also alleges Eritrean backing of the TPLF, a claim Eritrea denies. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain strained, partly due to ongoing disputes over Ethiopia's lack of direct sea access, a matter Abiy has described as an "existential question."