Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets, Announces Plans for Four S-400 Air Defence Batteries

Ethiopia has announced the delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 multirole fighter jets as part of a major effort to modernize its air force and strengthen national defence capabilities.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed the development on October 28, 2026, saying the aircraft had been supplied under an earlier military agreement between Addis Ababa and Moscow.

The Prime Minister also announced that Ethiopia would receive four batteries of Russia's S-400 air defence system.

The Ethiopian government presented the acquisition as an important step toward strengthening national sovereignty and improving the military's capacity to deter potential threats.

First 12 Su-35 fighter jets delivered

Abiy Ahmed confirmed that Ethiopia had received the first batch of 12 Su-35 fighters in accordance with its defence agreement with Russia.

The Su-35 is a Russian-built multirole combat aircraft equipped with advanced radar and avionics systems and designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Ethiopian officials describe the aircraft as a fourth-generation-plus-plus platform.

The delivery represents a significant component of Ethiopia's wider program to modernize its military aviation fleet.

Abiy said the acquisition would strengthen the country's ability to deter potential aggression and protect its national interests.

Russian arms exporter confirms handover

Alexander Mikheyev, Director-General of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, separately confirmed that the first batch of Su-35 fighter jets had been delivered to the Ethiopian Air Force.

According to the Russian state news agency TASS, Mikheyev made the announcement during an interview with the Vesti television channel.

The statement provided confirmation from the Russian organization responsible for the arms export, supplementing the Ethiopian government's announcement.

However, Mikheyev did not disclose where the aircraft would be based or when they would enter operational service.

Four S-400 air defence batteries planned

Alongside the fighter jet delivery, Prime Minister Abiy announced that Ethiopia would receive four batteries of the Russian S-400 air defence system.

The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air defence platform incorporating radar, command systems and missile units designed to detect and engage aerial threats.

Its acquisition would form part of Ethiopia's effort to strengthen ground-based air defence capabilities alongside its combat aircraft fleet.

However, the government has not announced when the four batteries will be delivered.

There is no confirmed announcement that the S-400 systems have already been deployed or entered service in Ethiopia.

Abiy thanks Putin for early delivery

The Ethiopian Prime Minister said the Su-35 aircraft had arrived one year earlier than originally scheduled.

He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping facilitate the accelerated delivery.

Abiy described the acquisition as an important milestone in the country's military modernization program.

He also presented Ethiopia as one of the leading countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in operating advanced Su-35 aircraft.

Financial and operational details remain undisclosed

Neither Ethiopia nor Russia has publicly disclosed the total value of the defence agreement.

The locations where the aircraft will be stationed, the details of pilot training arrangements and the timetable for future S-400 deliveries have also not been announced.

The confirmation establishes that Ethiopia has received the 12 Su-35 fighters, while the delivery and operational status of the S-400 batteries remain pending.

The Ethiopian government maintains that the new equipment will support national defence readiness and contribute to regional security.

The delivery represents a significant development in Ethiopia's continuing military aviation modernization efforts and defence cooperation with Russia.