Ethiopia takes delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 jets

Ethiopia has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets, with four S-400 air defense batteries scheduled to follow. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the delivery during the two-day Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The aircraft arrive a year ahead of schedule, Abiy said, adding that the equipment will help the country preemptively deter aggression.

The deal expands an air force already equipped with Russian aircraft. Benedict Manzin, a lead analyst at risk consultancy Sibylline, noted that the S-400 systems would complement the fleet by defending against aerial threats. He said the defenses would be best used against conventional air threats, such as Eritrea’s limited air force and drones in a potential conflict. However, Manzin cautioned that conventional systems can be overwhelmed by small, cheap drones, a lesson seen in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the friendly relations between the two nations in a statement. He said bilateral trade exceeded $1.3 billion from January to September, more than twice the figure for all of 2025. Putin identified energy, agriculture, industry, and education as areas for further cooperation. Abiy said his talks with Putin also covered nuclear energy, health, and trade.

The partnership builds on decades of military cooperation dating back to the Cold War. According to the Ethiopian News Agency, the two countries have signed agreements to improve Ethiopian armed forces capabilities through technology, knowledge, and training. Manzin stated that Russia is also in the business of making money through arms sales, which are one of its primary exports to Africa. These sales provide revenue while sustaining relationships that require training, maintenance, and replacement equipment.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous country, attracts competing powers because of its large market. Manzin suggested that Ethiopia is widening its options rather than committing exclusively to Moscow. He noted that the relationship with Russia coexists with a significant Chinese presence and continuing Western investment. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia supplied 15 percent of African imports of major weapons in 2021-2025, behind the United States at 19 percent and China at 17 percent.

The delivery comes amid renewed fighting in Tigray and a separate rebellion in Amhara. Fighting between the federal army and Tigrayan forces intensified in late September, effectively unravelling the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement. Government troops and allied forces entered Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, earlier in October after Tigray People’s Liberation Front fighters withdrew. Addis Ababa subsequently installed a six-month caretaker administration, but rebel commanders have promised to continue fighting.

Manzin observed that the timing coincides with Ethiopia navigating conflict in Tigray and speculation about war with Eritrea. He cautioned against assuming the latest battlefield developments directly prompted purchases negotiated earlier. He said aircraft are helpful regardless, as the military uses them heavily during any suppression operation.