Ethiopia has received its first Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and plans to acquire Russia's S-400 air defense system, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on October 28, 2026, on X while in Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit. He said Ethiopia will receive 12 Su-35s in total and four S-400 batteries, describing the acquisition as a milestone strengthening national security and deterring aggression in advance. The jets arrived a year ahead of schedule, and Abiy thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping to expedite delivery. He did not disclose the deal's value, when the S-400 systems will arrive, or where the jets and missile batteries will be deployed.
The delivery comes as Ethiopia faces a renewed rebel offensive in the northern Tigray region, launched in September 2026 and reviving the 2020-2022 war, with government forces entering the regional capital Mekelle on October 4, 2026, while fighting continues. Federal troops are also fighting the armed group Fano in the neighbouring Amhara region, and Ethiopia has broken with Eritrea, accusing Eritrea of backing rebels, a charge Eritrea denies. The deepening military relationship with Moscow follows a military cooperation agreement signed in Addis Ababa in July 2021, focused on training and technology for Ethiopia's armed forces, and in January 2026 Janes reported Ethiopia displaying newly acquired Russian Yak-130 advanced jet trainers at an event marking its air force's 90th anniversary. Reporting cited by Aerospace Global News likewise says Abiy stated Ethiopia has received its order for 12 Russian Su-35S air superiority fighters and will also receive Russian S-400 air defence systems later on, with deliveries a year early.