Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting intensifies in the northern Tigray region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the acquisition a milestone for Ethiopia’s defence capacity, said the deal was agreed several years ago and the jets arrived ahead of schedule, and said Ethiopia plans to acquire four Russian S-400 air-defence systems.
WHO:Ethiopia received the jets from Russia; Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the acquisition and outlined plans for S-400 systems.
WHAT:Ethiopia received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets.
WHEN:Reported Oct 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM ET
WHERE:Ethiopia
WHY:Abiy Ahmed said the military hardware was essential to protect Ethiopia from external threats.
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