Ethiopia has received its first two Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets in what the east African country's government said is an accelerated delivery timeline. Announcing the milestone on October 28, state-controlled news agency FANA said the warplanes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Ethiopia's integrated defense capabilities.
Alongside its upgraded fighter fleet, Ethiopia is also set to receive four batteries of Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. The announcements were made during the Russia-Africa Summit being held in Moscow.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that Ethiopia has received its new jets a year ahead of its agreed schedule: something arranged in a “prior agreement” with the Russian government. Accompanying photos show two tail numbers, 2251 and 2552, visible on the gray-painted twin-engine fighter. According to Ahmed, these represent the first of 12 units set to be delivered.
In October 2025, hacker group Black Mirror published leaked documents it claimed originated from Russian defense group Rostec. These, it said, show a contract was signed in 2022 for the delivery of six Su-35 fighters to Ethiopia, alongside separate orders from Iran and Algeria. Ethiopia's air force currently operates the Russian-built MiG-23 and Su-27 fighters.
According to Russian defense export state organization Rosoboronexport, Africa is one of its key markets. It said the continent now accounts for around 30% of all military sales from countries still willing to trade with Russia.
Ahmed stressed that the Su-35s will help support Ethiopia’s efforts to protect its airspace and support sovereign defense capabilities. However, this comes amid escalating tension in the region. On October 9, a United Nations spokesperson condemned ongoing clashes with neighbouring Eritrea, adding that the organization is “gravely concerned by renewed fighting in the Tigray, Afar and regions of Ethiopia” and the risks of future escalation.
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