Ethiopia has significantly bolstered its military capabilities with the recent delivery of a dozen Russian Su-35 fighter jets. The aircraft were received on Wednesday, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed describing the military deliveries as a milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen national security. According to Ahmed, the jets were supplied under a prior agreement with the Russian government and will enhance Ethiopia's quest for national sovereignty and regional collective security and stability.
The delivery of the fighter jets is seen as a strategic move by Ethiopia to enhance its military prowess in the region. Prime Minister Ahmed indicated that Ethiopia received the "warplanes a year ahead of our agreed schedule." He also noted that Ethiopia has taken the lead among Sub-Saharan African nations in acquiring such advanced combat technology. The Ethiopian leader has described President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia and is currently attending the 2-day Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.
In addition to the fighter jets, Ethiopia is also expected to receive four S-400 air defence systems from Russia. The systems are designed to provide comprehensive protection against aerial threats and will significantly enhance Ethiopia's air defence capabilities. The announcement of the military deliveries comes as the conflict in the northern Tigray region continues to escalate, with renewed armed clashes reported between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
The conflict in Tigray has raised fears of a potential regional war, with Eritrean troops crossing into the region in early October. The TPLF had seized control of Mekelle and the Alula Aba Nega Airport, but government and allied forces retook Mekelle on Sunday after the TPLF said it "temporarily moved out of" Tigray's regional capital to "operate from somewhere else". The situation in Tigray remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians.
Prime Minister Ahmed has emphasized the importance of Ethiopia's military capabilities in maintaining national sovereignty and regional stability. He noted that if Ethiopia failed to build its military capabilities, surviving as a country in the region would become difficult. The Ethiopian leader also highlighted the significance of the Russian military deliveries, saying that countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied.
The Russia-Africa summit in Moscow is seen as an attempt by President Putin to expand Russia's footprint in Africa. Prime Minister Ahmed's presence at the summit underscores the strong ties between Ethiopia and Russia. Ahmed described President Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia and highlighted the significance of the military deliveries in strengthening bilateral relations.
The Ethiopian government's efforts to bolster its military capabilities have raised concerns about the escalation of the conflict in Tigray. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with the African Union and other regional organizations urging restraint and dialogue. Key points:
Key points
- Ethiopia receives a dozen Russian Su-35 fighter jets to boost its military capabilities
- The country is also expected to receive four S-400 air defence systems from Russia
- The military deliveries come as the conflict in the northern Tigray region continues to escalate
