NAIROBI, October 28. /TASS/. Ethiopia has received the first 12 4++-generation Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reported.
"In accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have today taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets," he wrote on the X social media platform. He did not specify the total number of fighter jets to be delivered under the agreement.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the delivery of the aircraft a year ahead of the agreed-upon schedule. According to him, by acquiring these fighter jets Ethiopia has taken the lead among sub-Saharan African nations in terms of modern combat aircraft capabilities.
Abiy Ahmed emphasized that receiving the new weapons marked an important step in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and ensuring national security. He noted that enhancing the combat readiness of the Ethiopian armed forces would help deter potential aggression and contribute to regional stability.
The prime minister’s statement came against the backdrop of the third Russia-Africa Summit, taking place in Moscow on October 28-29, in which he is participating. Russia and Ethiopia have been developing military-technical cooperation for many years. In July 2021, the two sides signed a series of agreements aimed at modernizing the Ethiopian armed forces, transferring technology, and training military specialists.
Arms deliveries are taking place against the backdrop of an escalating situation in the region. Since late September, armed clashes between government forces and rebel groups have continued in northern Ethiopia. At the same time, Addis Ababa’s relations with neighboring Eritrea have deteriorated sharply, and diplomatic ties with that country were severed in early October.