Ethiopia says it has received 12 Russian jets; exporter details first batch of two

Russia’s state arms exporter says it delivered a first batch of two Su-35 fighter jets to the Ethiopian air force on 28 October, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says his country has received 12. The difference leaves the scale of the handover unclear as fighting continues in northern Ethiopia.

Abiy announced the acquisition during a visit to Russia, saying the jets had been delivered a year ahead of schedule under an earlier agreement. Rosoboronexport told Reuters that “the first batch of two Su-35 aircraft was delivered to the Ethiopian Air Force today”. It did not give a total for all aircraft handed over.

Defence publication Janes identified two jets with Ethiopian markings in photographs released by Abiy’s office. It placed them at Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow. The images do not establish whether other jets have been handed over, or show the aircraft arriving in Ethiopia.

Abiy also said Ethiopia would receive four batteries of Russia’s S-400 air defence system. He described that as a future delivery, not one that had already taken place.

The announcement follows renewed fighting that has put Ethiopia’s 2022 peace agreement with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front under strain. Government-allied fighters entered the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle, on 4 October after TPLF forces withdrew, the Associated Press reported. A Tigrayan commander subsequently called for continued resistance, while an official in the new federal-backed administration urged fighters to disarm. The UN has called for a halt to fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara and a return to talks. Whether or when the new jets will reach Ethiopian bases, and whether they will be used in the fighting, remains unclear.