Ethiopia took delivery of its first batch of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets on Wednesday, October 28, as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a major push to strengthen the nation’s military capabilities and pre-emptively deter aggression, according to Reuters.
Abiy stated on X that the hardware arrived a year ahead of schedule following assistance from Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Abiy referred to an initial arrival of two Su-35 aircraft alongside plans for four S-400 air defense system batteries, Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport told Reuters that the initial delivery consisted of just two jets.
Our comprehensive efforts to sustainably ensure our country's peace and security have reached a new milestone today. The state of readiness being built within Ethiopia's defense forces is endowing the nation with the capability to preemptively deter aggression.In accordance… pic.twitter.com/y1fsT9bWV7
Expanding Military Hardware Deliveries From Moscow
The aircraft delivery marks a concrete step in a defense relationship that deepened when Addis Ababa and Moscow signed a military cooperation agreement in 2021. That pact covered armed forces modernization, technology transfers, and military training. Under the current procurement plan, Ethiopia is set to receive a total of 12 multirole Su-35 fighter jets and four S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries.
Abiy did not disclose the financial value of the procurement agreement, nor did he specify a delivery timeline for the S-400 batteries or state where the aircraft and missile systems will be permanently based. The Su-35 is a twin-engine multirole fighter designed to engage enemy aircraft and strike both ground and naval targets using advanced radar and long-range weaponry.
Regional Strategic Tensions and Past Conflict
The military hardware arrival coincides with mounting regional frictions. Ethiopia faces ongoing security challenges, including renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region where a rebel alliance launched an offensive against federal forces. During the previous 2020–2022 Tigray war, which killed hundreds of thousands of people, foreign-made drones helped federal forces reverse battlefield losses.
The renewed internal fighting has coincided with a diplomatic rupture between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. Addis Ababa recently accused Asmara of sending troops across the border to occupy Ethiopian territory and back rebel groups, a charge Eritrea rejects as a declaration of war. Landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, Ethiopia maintains that securing access to the Red Sea port of Assab is an existential necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Su-35 fighter jets did Ethiopia actually receive in the first delivery?
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that the country received its “first twelve” jets, but Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport reported that the initial delivery comprised only two Su-35 aircraft.
When did Ethiopia and Russia establish their current defense framework?
The two nations formalized their defense ties by signing a military cooperation agreement in 2021 that covered armed forces modernization, technical assistance, and training.
What other air defense hardware is Ethiopia scheduled to acquire from Russia?
Alongside the Su-35 fighter jets, Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia will acquire four S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile batteries, though no delivery date for the missile systems has been made public.