Ethiopia has received its first two Russian Su-35 fighter jets, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presenting the delivery during a visit to Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit. Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport confirmed the batch size. The aircraft were shown at Zhukovsky airport near Moscow; public information does not establish whether they have since been transferred to Ethiopia or where they will be based.
Abiy described the delivery as a year ahead of schedule. Ethiopia plans to acquire 12 Su-35s in total, along with four Russian S-400 air-defence batteries, but the timetable for further deliveries has not been disclosed. The value of the agreement and the systems’ planned basing locations are also unknown.
Abiy framed the acquisitions as part of efforts to strengthen national security and deter aggression. The announcement comes amid security challenges that include renewed fighting in the Tigray region. The confirmed handover is limited to the initial two fighters; the prime minister’s reference to a 12-aircraft acquisition does not mean all 12 have been delivered.