ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets and will receive four S-400 air defence system batteries, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced.
In a statement on Wednesday, Abiy said the deliveries were made under an agreement with Russia and marked a new stage in Ethiopia’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.
“Today, in accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets,” he said.
Abiy said the jets arrived a year ahead of schedule and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating their early delivery.
He said Ethiopia would also receive four S-400 air defence system batteries.
Ethiopia strengthens defence capabilities
The Prime Minister said the new military equipment would improve the readiness of Ethiopia’s defence forces and strengthen the country’s ability to deter aggression.
He described the acquisition as a milestone for Ethiopia’s national security and sovereignty, adding that the country’s strengthened defence capabilities would support its security objectives and contribute to regional stability.
The Su-35 is a Russian-made fighter jet.
The S-400 is an air defence system designed to protect airspace against aerial threats.
Abiy made the announcement during his visit to Moscow for the Third Russia-Africa Summit, where he is meeting Russian and African leaders.
