Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on October 28, 2026, that his country has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets. The delivery was made a year earlier than expected under an existing agreement with Moscow. Abiy made the announcement on X during a visit to Moscow for the two-day Russia-Africa Summit. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for expediting the delivery. The new equipment is aimed at strengthening Ethiopia's ability to defend its airspace.
The acquisition of the Su-35 jets comes as Ethiopian forces are engaged in battles with rebels in northern Tigray and a separate rebellion in the neighbouring Amhara region. The prime minister stated that the new equipment would enhance Ethiopia's ability to "preemptively deter aggression". In addition to the Su-35 jets, Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air defence batteries. The S-400 batteries are designed to shoot down aircraft and missiles. No date has been given for their expected arrival.
This development is the latest sign of Russia's growing military partnership with Ethiopia. The two governments signed a military cooperation agreement in Addis Ababa in July 2021. The agreement aimed at improving the Ethiopian armed forces' training and technology. Earlier in January, defence publication Janes reported that Ethiopia had displayed newly acquired Russian Yak-130 advanced jet trainers. These developments indicate a strengthening of military ties between Russia and Ethiopia.
Russia has become a significant supplier of major weapons to Africa. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia supplied 15 percent of Africa's imports of major weapons between 2021 and 2025. This made Russia the continent's third-largest supplier of major weapons. Moscow has been seeking closer military and economic ties with African countries. This is part of Russia's efforts to expand its influence in the region while facing Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine.
The Russia-Africa Summit, which began on October 28, 2026, brings African leaders together for talks on trade, investment, and security. The summit provides a platform for Russia to engage with African countries and explore opportunities for cooperation. Ethiopia's acquisition of the Su-35 jets and planned acquisition of S-400 batteries is likely to be a topic of discussion at the summit.
The conflict in Tigray has seen a major shift in recent weeks. Government troops and allied forces entered the regional capital Mekelle on October 4 after fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) withdrew. The TPLF has suffered further territorial losses as government forces advanced into other towns. A TPLF commander called for continued resistance in a television broadcast last week. The group has also claimed attacks against government-aligned troops in northwestern Tigray.
The renewed war in Tigray has effectively undone a peace agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa, in November 2022. The agreement had ended two years of fighting, which researchers estimate killed about 500,000 civilians. Government forces are also battling Fano, an Amhara armed group that has been fighting federal troops since 2023. The conflict in Tigray and Amhara regions poses a significant challenge to Ethiopia's stability and security.
Key points
- Ethiopia receives 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets to strengthen its airspace defence capabilities.
- Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air defence batteries to enhance its defence systems.
- The acquisition is part of Russia's growing military partnership with Ethiopia and its efforts to expand influence in Africa.
