Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Wednesday that Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets. The acquisition includes a commitment from Moscow for the future delivery of four S-400 air defence systems. Abiy Ahmed noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin helped expedite the delivery of the fourth-generation aircraft, which arrived one year earlier than scheduled.

Abiy Ahmed characterized the military buildup as a milestone to strengthen national security and "pre-emptively deter aggression." The arrival of the hardware comes as Ethiopia manages security challenges in the northern Tigray region following a recent offensive by a rebel alliance.

The renewed conflict has strained regional relations, leading to severed ties between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea of providing support to the rebels in Tigray.