World · Africa · 3 hrs ago
Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets
Ethiopia has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on Wednesday.
Russia is also expected to deliver four S-400 air defense systems, though the delivery date is not known.
Abiy said Russian President Vladimir Putin helped the jets arrive a year ahead of schedule.
The deliveries are part of Ethiopia's effort to strengthen its military and deter aggression.
Ethiopia faces renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region, where a rebel alliance launched an offensive last month.
The earlier war in Tigray, from 2020 to 2022, killed hundreds of thousands, and Ethiopia's air power helped turn the tide; the new fighting has also strained ties with Eritrea.
The deal's value and where the aircraft and systems will be based have not been disclosed.
Ethiopia has received 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.
The country is also due to receive four S-400 air defense systems from Russia.
Abiy said the deliveries support Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen national security and deter aggression.
He said the jets arrived a year earlier than scheduled, with help from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abiy did not disclose the agreement’s value, the S-400 delivery date or where the equipment would be based.
- Who
- Ethiopia has received the jets, according to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- What
- Ethiopia took delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets and is due to receive four S-400 air defense systems.
- When
- Abiy announced the delivery on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
- Where
- Ethiopia. The bases for the aircraft and air defense systems were not stated.
- Why
- Abiy said the deliveries would help strengthen national security and pre-emptively deter aggression.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Abiy said Russian President Vladimir Putin helped ensure the Su-35 jets were delivered ahead of schedule.
Abiy announced that Ethiopia had received 12 Su-35 jets.
Ethiopia is due to receive four S-400 air defense systems.
- Su-35 jets received
- 12
- S-400 systems planned
- 4
- Supplier
- Russia
- Ethiopian prime minister
- Abiy Ahmed
- Earlier delivery
- One year ahead of schedule
3 sources
What people are saying
pre-emptively deter aggression
pre-emptively deter aggression