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Ethiopia has received its first 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets and will acquire four batteries of S-400 long-range air defense systems, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on October 28, in a major expansion of the country’s aerial combat capabilities.
“Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets,” Abiy wrote in a social media post.
He also thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the delivery a year ahead of schedule, describing the acquisition as a milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its national defense and deter potential aggression.
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Abiy made the announcement while arriving in Moscow for the Third Russia–Africa Summit, underscoring the growing military dimension of Ethiopia’s relationship with Russia.
The Su-35 is a twin-engine, multirole fighter designed for air superiority and precision-strike missions. It can reach speeds of Mach 2.25 and carry up to eight tons of weapons. Its radar can detect aerial targets at distances of up to 350 kilometers, track 30 targets simultaneously and engage up to eight, according to Russian manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation.
The 12 aircraft give Ethiopia a substantial upgrade in its ability to detect and engage aerial threats, conduct long-range combat missions and challenge opposing aircraft.
The planned S-400 acquisition would complement the fighters with ground-based protection against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missile threats. Depending on the interceptor used, the Russian system has an advertised engagement range of up to 400 kilometers. Abiy did not specify when the four batteries would be delivered.
The military buildup comes as Ethiopia faces renewed fighting in Tigray and worsening relations with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. The two countries exchanged diplomatic expulsions in October amid broader regional tensions, while Cairo continues to demand a binding agreement governing the dam’s operation.
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iran are waiting for years for his su-35. this means russia do not want to sent the su-35 to iran air foce.