Ethiopia says it received Russian Su-35 jets, S-400 air defence systems to follow
Ethiopia has received twelve Russian-made Su-35 long-range air superiority fighter jets ahead of schedule. The aircraft arrived under a government-to-government agreement that also includes plans for four S-400 air defense batteries. The delivery comes as regional tensions and internal security threats rise. Russian officials have additionally offered to mediate in the Eritrea conflict. The acquisition marks a new strategic phase in the partnership between Ethiopia and Russia across defense, trade, and development.
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- ✓ Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets.
- ✓ The aircraft arrived ahead of schedule.
- ✓ Four S-400 air defense systems or batteries are planned under the deal.
What changed
Ethiopia officially took delivery of twelve Su-35 fighter jets ahead of schedule while also planning the acquisition of four S-400 air defense batteries.
Live updates
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Ethiopia Receives Russian Su-35 Jets with S-400 Systems Planned
Ethiopia has received twelve Russian-made Su-35 long-range air superiority fighter jets ahead of schedule. The aircraft arrived under a government-to-government agreement that also includes plans for four S-400 air defense batteries. The delivery comes as regional tensions and internal security threats rise. Russian officials have additionally offered to mediate in the Eritrea conflict. The acquisition marks a new strategic phase in the partnership between Ethiopia and Russia across defense, trade, and development.
Why it matters
The delivery deepens military ties between Moscow and Addis Ababa as regional instability persists. Long-range Su-35 fighters significantly upgrade the operational capabilities of the Ethiopian Air Force. Planned S-400 air defense systems would further expand the strategic footprint of Russian hardware in the region.
What is confirmed
- Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets.
- The aircraft arrived ahead of schedule.
- Four S-400 air defense systems or batteries are planned under the deal.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia has offered to mediate in the Eritrea conflict.
What to watch next
- Delivery of the planned S-400 air defense batteries.
- Developments regarding Russia's reported offer to mediate in the Eritrea conflict.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- Reuters — Ethiopia says it has taken delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets
- Bloomberg.com — Ethiopia Takes Delivery of Russia Fighter Jets Ahead of Schedule
- Al Jazeera — Ethiopia receives 12 Russian Su-35 jets, plans S-400 acquisition
- Fana Media Corporation S.C — Ethiopia–Russia Partnership Enters a New Strategic Phase Across Defence, Trade and Development
- Business Insider Africa — Ethiopia takes delivery of 12 Su-35 Russian fighter jets ahead of schedule as regional tensions rise
- صوت الإمارات — Russia delivers 12 Su-35 fighter jets to Ethiopia and offers to mediate in the Eritrea conflict
- Defensehere — Ethiopia receives first 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, PM says
- Military Watch Magazine — Russian Delivers 12 Su-35 Long Range Air Superiority Fighters to the Ethiopian Air Force
- TWZ — Ethiopia Gets 12 Russian Su-35 Fighters, Eyes S-400 Air Defenses
- The National Interest — Why Ethiopia Is Now Flying Russian Fighter Jets
- BBC — Ethiopia receives 12 Russian fighter jets and air defence systems as Tigray war escalates
- Al Jazeera — Why is Russia sending fighter jets and air defences to Ethiopia?
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