By Sohaib Shams
Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting intensifies in the northern Tigray region bordering Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, described the delivery as a "milestone" that would boost Ethiopia's defence capacity and said the warplanes arrived ahead of schedule.
Deal Details and Future Plans
Abiy said Ethiopia and Russia agreed on the procurement several years ago, adding that the country also plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow. He stated the military hardware is essential to protect Ethiopia from external threats and noted that Ethiopia has become the first sub‑Saharan African nation to possess such advanced combat technology.
Strategic Significance
Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the acquisition signals preparation for possible wars with other countries, not just internal conflicts. He highlighted the Su‑35's ability to detect and neutralize incoming cruise missiles at distances up to 200 kilometres, and said the combination of fighter jets and air defence systems creates significant capability to protect major cities and critical infrastructure such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Regional Tensions
The latest arms delivery comes after renewed conflict in Tigray began last month between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), with both sides accusing each other of violating a 2022 peace deal. Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing the TPLF, a charge Eritrea denies. Tensions have also persisted over Ethiopia's lack of direct sea access, which Abiy has called an "existential question" that Eritrea views as a threat to its sovereignty.
