The acquisition of fighter jets comes amid ongoing tensions with Eritrea
Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 combat aircraft as renewed hostilities in the northern Tigray region raise concerns over regional security.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, currently in Moscow for the Russia-Africa summit, described the purchase as a major advancement in strengthening his country’s military preparedness.
He disclosed that the agreement with Russia had been reached years earlier, adding that the aircraft arrived sooner than anticipated. Addis Ababa is also seeking to obtain four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow.
Abiy maintained that acquiring sophisticated military equipment was necessary to safeguard Ethiopia against foreign aggression.
Praising Russian President Vladimir Putin as a trusted ally, he claimed the acquisition placed Ethiopia at the forefront of advanced military aviation technology in sub-Saharan Africa.
The prime minister warned that inadequate defence preparedness could threaten the country’s survival, arguing that nations with strong military capabilities were better positioned to deter potential adversaries.
Moscow and Addis Ababa have strengthened their defence partnership through several agreements, including a 2021 arrangement focused on military training and technological development.
According to Abiy, the decision to purchase the Su-35 fighters and S-400 systems followed assessments of international military developments and the security challenges confronting Ethiopia.
The Su-35 aircraft can undertake aerial engagements and ground attacks, while its advanced detection equipment can identify and intercept approaching cruise missiles from distances of up to 200 kilometres.
Military intelligence expert Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the latest procurement suggested Ethiopia was preparing for possible confrontations with foreign states, beyond its existing domestic security challenges.
He explained that the fighters possess exceptional manoeuvrability, sophisticated radar technology and extensive operational reach, allowing them to monitor large areas and strengthen control of the skies.
Segatu added that combining the aircraft with advanced air defence equipment could improve protection for major urban centres and strategic installations, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Abiy also emphasised the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in reinforcing the country’s deterrence capabilities, noting that Ethiopia had deployed drones extensively during previous conflicts, including equipment obtained from Turkey and China.
He stressed that military modernisation required investment in both unmanned systems and fourth-generation fighter aircraft, specifically referencing the Su-30 and Su-35 models.
The announcement comes amid renewed clashes in Tigray, where federal government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the region, have been engaged in a fresh confrontation since last month.
Both sides have accused each other of breaching the 2022 agreement that brought an end to a devastating civil war.
Ethiopia has further alleged that neighbouring Eritrea is supporting the TPLF, an accusation Asmara has rejected.
Relations between the two countries remain strained, partly because Abiy has described Ethiopia’s lack of direct access to the sea as an existential concern.
Eritrea, however, considers such statements a threat to its territorial sovereignty.
Eritrea became independent in 1993 following a prolonged conflict with Ethiopia, leaving the latter without its former direct access to the coastline.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong