Ethiopia gets Russian fighter jets and air defence systems

Ethiopia has received many fighter jets from Russia as the fighting in the northern Tigray region heats up. The country got a dozen Russian Su-35 fighter jets on Wednesday and expects to receive four S-400 air defence systems soon to strengthen its military.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called these military deliveries a big step in the country’s efforts to improve national security. In a post on X, he mentioned that the jets were delivered under an earlier agreement with the Russian government. He believes this will help Ethiopia secure its sovereignty and support regional security and stability.

Prime Minister Ahmed also noted that Ethiopia received the warplanes a year earlier than planned. He stated, “By equipping itself with these fighter jets, Ethiopia has taken the lead among Sub-Saharan African nations.”

This news comes as the two-day Russia-Africa summit kicks off in Moscow. Prime Minister Ahmed is attending the summit, which aims to help President Vladimir Putin increase Russia’s presence in Africa. The Ethiopian leader referred to President Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia.

He added that Addis Ababa has become the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to have this kind of advanced military technology. “If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult. Countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied. Ethiopia’s newly deployed military jets will remain more ready than ever to defend the airspace!” he said.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported renewed fighting in northern Tigray between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Rebel forces have taken control of Mekelle and the Alula Aba Nega Airport. However, government and allied forces regained Mekelle on Sunday after the TPLF said it temporarily moved out of Tigray’s capital to operate from another location.

Eritrean troops also entered the Tigray region in early October, leading to increased tensions and concerns about a possible regional war.