Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets, Abiy Says

By : Kadir Moustapha

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 28 (Horndiplomat) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday that his country had taken delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets and was set to receive four batteries of Russia’s S-400 air defence system, marking a major expansion of Ethiopia’s military capabilities.

Abiy said the aircraft were delivered under an earlier agreement with Moscow, a year ahead of schedule, as Ethiopia seeks to strengthen its defence readiness and deter potential security threats.

“Our comprehensive efforts to sustainably ensure our country’s peace and security have reached a new milestone today,” Abiy said in a statement posted on X.

“The state of readiness being built within Ethiopia’s defence forces is endowing the nation with the capability to preemptively deter aggression.”

The prime minister said the first batch comprised 12 Su-35 fighter jets, classified by Russia as 4++ generation combat aircraft, while four S-400 air defence batteries were also expected to be supplied under the agreement.

Abiy thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the early delivery of the aircraft, describing the acquisition as a significant step towards modernising Ethiopia’s armed forces.

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“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 said the new aircraft would strengthen Ethiopia’s military standing in sub-Saharan Africa and enhance its ability to protect national sovereignty.

The announcement coincided with Abiy’s arrival in Moscow to attend the Third Russia–Africa Summit, where Ethiopia is seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation with Russia and strengthen engagement with other African countries.

The Su-35 is a Russian-made multirole fighter aircraft designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, powerful engines and long-range weapons capabilities.

The S-400, developed by Russia, is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missile threats.

The acquisitions, if fully implemented, would represent a substantial upgrade to Ethiopia’s air combat and air defence capabilities.

Abiy said the military expansion was intended to reinforce Ethiopia’s sovereignty and contribute to long-term regional security and stability.

“This historic achievement further strengthens our nation’s sovereignty,” he said, adding that the new capabilities would support Ethiopia’s efforts to safeguard collective security.

The announcement comes amid heightened security concerns across the Horn of Africa, where regional governments are increasingly focused on military readiness and strategic security cooperation.

Abiy did not disclose the value of the defence agreement, the delivery schedule for the S-400 systems or where the new military equipment would be deployed.

(Reporting by Horn Diplomat Desk; Editing by Desk)