Ethiopia has acquired 12 advanced Russian Su-35 fighter jets, a move Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed describes as a significant milestone in strengthening the country's defence capabilities. The acquisition comes as tensions rise in the Horn of Africa, with renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region and strained relations with Eritrea. Abiy, who is attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, emphasized that the deal for the fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems was agreed upon several years ago.
The Su-35 fighter jets are a multirole aircraft designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, capable of detecting and neutralising incoming cruise missiles from distances of up to 200 kilometres. Abiy said the equipment would help protect the country against external threats, arguing that building military strength was essential for Ethiopia's survival in a region facing growing security challenges. Ethiopia also plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Russia, which will improve the protection of major cities and strategic infrastructure.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Russian President Vladimir Putin as "a close friend of Ethiopia" and noted that Ethiopia had become the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to acquire this type of advanced combat technology. The acquisition suggests that Ethiopia is preparing for possible conflicts with other countries, beyond its internal security challenges. Military cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia has increased in recent years, including a 2021 deal focused on military training and technological development.
The acquisition of the Su-35 fighter jets and planned S-400 systems could help Ethiopia strengthen its air superiority and protect its strategic infrastructure, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The aircraft's manoeuvrability, advanced radar, and long-range scanning capabilities make it a significant addition to Ethiopia's military capabilities. Abiy also emphasized the importance of drones in deterring potential threats, with Ethiopia having used drones acquired from countries including Turkey and China in previous conflicts.
Renewed fighting in Tigray between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has raised concerns about possible wider regional conflict. Both sides accuse each other of violating the 2022 agreement that brought an end to a devastating civil war. Ethiopia has also accused neighbouring Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim Asmara denies. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain tense over Ethiopia's lack of direct access to the sea.
Eritrea became independent in 1993 following a decades-long struggle, leaving landlocked Ethiopia without its former coastline. Abiy has described the issue as an "existential question", while Eritrea views Ethiopia's position as a threat to its sovereignty. The latest arms acquisition comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with Ethiopia seeking to strengthen its military capabilities to address internal and external security challenges.
The acquisition of the Su-35 fighter jets is a significant development in Ethiopia's military modernization efforts. With the planned S-400 systems and increased military cooperation with Russia, Ethiopia aims to enhance its defence capabilities and protect its strategic interests. The move is likely to have implications for regional security dynamics, with neighbouring countries closely watching Ethiopia's military build-up.
Key points
- Ethiopia acquires 12 advanced Russian Su-35 fighter jets to strengthen its military capabilities amid rising tensions with Eritrea and renewed fighting in Tigray.
- The acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize Ethiopia's military and address internal and external security challenges.
- The deal includes plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Russia, which will improve the protection of major cities and strategic infrastructure.
