Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced while attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. The acquisition is a "milestone" that will boost Ethiopia's defence capacity, Abiy said. He described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "close friend of Ethiopia" and noted that the deal was agreed upon several years ago, with the warplanes arriving ahead of schedule.
The Su-35 fighter jets are equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, with the ability to detect and neutralize incoming cruise missiles at distances of up to 200 kilometers. Abiy said the military hardware was essential to protect the country from external threats. Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow, which will further enhance its defence capabilities.
Abiy signed an agreement with Russia several years ago to procure the Su-35 jets and S-400 systems, citing global air force trends and security threats facing the country. Ethiopia has become the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to own this kind of "advanced combat technology," Abiy said. He emphasized that building this capability is crucial for the country's survival in the region.
Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that Ethiopia's acquisition of additional warplanes indicates that it is preparing for possible wars with other countries, not just internal conflicts. The jets are highly maneuverable and capable of covering large areas, with radars capable of ensuring air superiority and long-range scanning.
The acquisition of the fighter jets and air defence systems will create a significant capability to protect and defend major cities and critical infrastructure, such as the Renaissance Dam. Qalaab said this will provide key strategic air superiority. Abiy emphasized that besides the advanced capabilities of the aircraft from Russia, the use of drones is equally important in strengthening deterrence.
Ethiopia has extensively used military drones, including those sourced from Turkey and China, in recent conflicts. Abiy noted that building capacity not only with drones but also with the fourth-generation capabilities of the Su-30 and Su-35 aircraft is essential. The latest acquisition of military hardware from Russia comes after the current conflict in northern Tigray started last month between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The conflict in Tigray has led to tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Ethiopia accusing Eritrea of backing the TPLF, which Eritrea denies. Abiy terms Ethiopia's lack of direct sea access an "existential question," which Eritrea views as a direct threat to its sovereignty. Eritrea gained independence in 1993 after a decades-long war with Ethiopia, with the latter losing access to the sea.
Key points
- Ethiopia receives 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to boost its defence capacity
- The acquisition includes plans for four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow
- The deal was agreed upon several years ago, with the warplanes arriving ahead of schedule
