Addis Ababa:Ethiopia has acquired 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as the conflict in the northern Tigray region escalates, with ongoing tensions involving Eritrea.
According to Ghana Web, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, emphasized that the acquisition represents a "milestone" in enhancing Ethiopia's defense capabilities. The agreement for the warplanes was made years ago and delivered ahead of schedule. Ethiopia also plans to procure four S-400 air defense systems from Moscow, as part of efforts to safeguard against external threats.
Abiy highlighted that Ethiopia is now the first sub-Saharan African nation to possess this advanced combat technology, describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "close friend of Ethiopia." He asserted that the military enhancements are crucial for national survival, stating, "Countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied."
In recent years, Russia and Ethiopia have entered several military agreements, including a 2021 deal focused on training and technological advancement for the military. The Su-35 jets, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, are designed to detect and neutralize cruise missiles at distances up to 200 kilometers.
Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu noted that Ethiopia's acquisition of these warplanes signals preparation for potential external conflicts. The combination of fighter jets and air defense systems aims to secure strategic air superiority, particularly around critical infrastructure like the Renaissance Dam.
Prime Minister Abiy also underlined the role of drones, acquired from Turkey and China, in reinforcing deterrence alongside the advanced Su-30 and Su-35 aircraft capabilities. The latest military purchases follow the resumption of conflict in Tigray last month, with Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) accusing each other of breaching a 2022 peace agreement. Ethiopia further alleges Eritrean support for the TPLF, which Eritrea denies, amid longstanding tensions over Ethiopia's lack of direct sea access since Eritrea's independence in 1993.