Ethiopia has reportedly received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia amid escalating fighting in the northern Tigray region, which borders Eritrea. 

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the acquisition as a milestone in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities. Abiy, who is attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, said the deal was reached several years ago and the aircraft arrived ahead of schedule. 

He also disclosed that Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Russia, saying the military equipment is necessary to protect the country against external threats. The Ethiopian leader described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia, adding that the acquisition would give the country access to advanced military technology 

Abiy said building such defence capabilities was essential for Ethiopia’s security, particularly amid growing regional threats. Russia and Ethiopia have signed several military cooperation agreements in recent years, including a 2021 deal focused on military training and technological development.