Ethiopia Receives 12 Su-35 Fighter Jets; PM Abiy Announces S-400 Defense System Delivery

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Su-35 4++ generation fighter jets from Russia. The acquisition follows a prior agreement between the two nations, with the Prime Minister further confirming that Ethiopia is also set to receive four S-400 air defense system batteries. Abiy expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the arrival of the jets a year ahead of the original schedule.

The acquisition is framed as a significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopia’s national defense capabilities, positioning the country at the forefront of Sub-Saharan African nations in terms of advanced air power. The announcement was made as the Prime Minister arrived in Moscow for the Third Russia–Africa Summit. Abiy emphasized that these assets are crucial for safeguarding national sovereignty, deterring aggression, and contributing to regional stability.