Ethiopia Defense Buildup: Moscow Delivers Twelve Su-35 Jets Amid Tigray Conflict

Ethiopia has taken delivery of twelve Su-35 fighter jets from Russia while fighting continues in the Tigray region.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the arrival during the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. He described the addition to the national inventory as a milestone for the country's defense capacity. Ahmed stated that the two nations agreed to the purchase several years ago and that the aircraft arrived earlier than planned.

The government also intends to acquire four S-400 air defense systems from Moscow. Ahmed characterized the hardware as essential for protecting Ethiopia from external threats. He called Russian President Vladimir Putin a close friend and said Ethiopia became the first sub-Saharan nation to operate this specific type of advanced combat technology.

Ahmed argued that building this military capability is necessary for national survival in the region. He stated that countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied. The Su-35 is equipped for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and can detect incoming cruise missiles from up to 200 kilometers away.

Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the new jets indicate Ethiopia is preparing for potential wars with other countries, not just internal conflicts. He noted that the aircraft are highly maneuverable and feature radars that ensure air superiority and long-range scanning. Segatu said the combination of jets and air defense systems would protect major cities and critical infrastructure, such as the Renaissance Dam.

The conflict in northern Tigray began last month between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Both sides accuse the other of violating the 2022 deal that ended the previous civil war. Ethiopia claims Eritrea supports the TPLF, a position Eritrea denies. Tensions remain high as Abiy describes Ethiopia's lack of direct sea access as an existential question, a view Eritrea sees as a threat to its sovereignty. Eritrea gained independence in 1993 after a long war with Ethiopia.

Ahmed also emphasized the role of drones in strengthening deterrence. Ethiopia has used military drones from Turkey and China in recent conflicts. He said the country needs to build capacity with both drones and fourth-generation aircraft like the Su-30 and Su-35.