Ethiopia Takes Delivery of 12 Su-35 Fighter Jets

Ethiopia has officially taken delivery of 12 Su-35 fighter jets and plans to acquire four S-400 air defense missile system batteries in the near future. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that this acquisition positions Ethiopia as a military aviation leader among sub-Saharan African nations. Veteran Air Force pilot and instructor Captain Teshome Tenkolu praised the modernization, highlighting the advanced capabilities of the Su-35, including its agility, speed, and radar-guided long-range strike precision. Captain Teshome emphasized that given Ethiopia's complex regional geopolitical landscape, such modernization is a strategic necessity for national defense and territorial integrity. He noted that while the jets serve a defensive purpose, the operational and maintenance costs of such advanced hardware are substantial. The Prime Minister noted that the training of pilots and technicians has been ongoing for several years, though the readiness of personnel specifically for the Su-35 has not been officially confirmed.