Ethiopia Acquires Russian Su‑35 Jets and S‑400 Air‑Defense Systems Amid Tigray Conflict

Ethiopia has received 12 Su‑35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting intensifies in the northern Tigray region, which borders Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the Russia‑Africa summit in Moscow, called the deal a “milestone” that will significantly enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

The purchase was agreed upon years ago and arrived ahead of schedule. Ethiopia also plans to procure four S‑400 air‑defense systems from Moscow, which Abiy said are essential to protect the nation from external threats.

Abiy described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a close friend of Ethiopia” and declared that Ethiopia is now the first sub‑Saharan African country to possess such advanced combat technology. He warned that without building these capabilities, the country’s regional survival could be jeopardized.

Russia and Ethiopia have signed several military cooperation agreements in recent years, including a 2021 pact to train personnel and upgrade military technology. The Su‑35 and S‑400 acquisitions stem from an earlier agreement driven by global air‑force trends and perceived security challenges.

The Su‑35 is a multi‑role fighter capable of both air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground missions. It can detect and neutralize cruise missiles at ranges up to 200 km and features highly maneuverable flight controls and long‑range radar for achieving air superiority.

Military analyst Qalaab Segatu observed that the new warplanes signal Ethiopia’s preparation for possible external conflicts, not merely internal insurgencies. When combined with the S‑400 systems, the equipment can shield major cities and critical infrastructure such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Abiy emphasized that while the Russian aircraft provide fourth‑generation capabilities, drones sourced from Turkey and China also play a crucial role in deterrence and have been widely used in recent fighting.

The arrival of the new hardware coincides with the ongoing war in northern Tigray between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Both sides accuse each other of breaking a 2022 peace accord. Ethiopia alleges that Eritrea supports the TPLF, a claim Eritrea denies. Historical tensions over Ethiopia’s lack of direct sea access further complicate regional dynamics. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving Ethiopia without a coastline.

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