Ethiopia receives 12 Russian Su-35 jets, plans S-400 acquisition
PM Abiy Ahmed makes announcement during a Moscow summit as Ethiopia battles armed groups in Tigray and Amhara.
Ethiopia has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets and will also acquire four S-400 air defence batteries, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced.
Abiy made the announcement on X on Wednesday during a visit to Moscow for the two-day Russia-Africa Summit, where Russia is seeking closer security and economic ties with African countries.
The acquisition comes as Ethiopian forces fight renewed battles with rebels in northern Tigray and a separate rebellion in the neighbouring Amhara region.
In January, defence publication Janes reported that Ethiopia had displayed newly acquired Russian Yak-130 advanced jet trainers during celebrations marking its air force’s 90th anniversary.