Ethiopia receives Russian fighter jets and air defence systems

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 15:38 · Archive

Ethiopia has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets and plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Russia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday. Ethiopia also plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Russia, though no delivery date was given. Abiy said the warplanes had arrived a year earlier than expected under an agreement signed several years ago with Moscow, and he thanked President Vladimir Putin for accelerating the delivery.

Abiy described the acquisition as a 'milestone' that would strengthen Ethiopia's defence capacity and protect the country from external threats. He said Ethiopia had become the first sub-Saharan African country to own this kind of advanced combat technology. He explained that the Su-35s are equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, with the ability to detect and neutralise incoming cruise missiles at distances of up to 200 kilometres. The S-400 systems would provide air defence against aerial threats, experts told the outlets.

The acquisition comes as Ethiopian forces battle armed groups in the northern Tigray region and face tensions with neighbouring Eritrea. Russia and Ethiopia have signed several military cooperation agreements in recent years, including a 2021 deal to train and improve technology for the military. Experts say the arrangement benefits Moscow by providing arms revenue and diplomatic influence in the Horn of Africa, while allowing Ethiopia to strengthen its forces amid its ongoing conflicts.

How it is being reported

• Why is Russia sending fighter jets and air defences to Ethiopia?Experts say Moscow is seeking arms revenue and further diplomatic influence.Al Jazeera · 29 Oct, 12:32
• Ethiopia acquires Russian fighter jets and air defence systems amid war in TigrayThe acquisition of the warplanes comes amid ongoing fighting in northern Tigray region that started last month.BBC World · 29 Oct, 08:23
• Ethiopia receives 12 Russian Su-35 jets, plans S-400 acquisitionPM Abiy Ahmed makes announcement during a Moscow summit as Ethiopia battles armed groups in Tigray and Amhara.Al Jazeera · 28 Oct, 16:35

In this story: Ethiopia · Russia · Abiy Ahmed · Vladimir Putin · Tigray · Eritrea · Amhara

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log