Ethiopia Strengthens Air Defenses with Russian Fighter Jets
(MENAFN) Ethiopia has taken delivery of twelve Russian-made Su-35 fighter aircraft and intends to purchase four S-400 air defense systems, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced Wednesday.
The military acquisitions come amid growing friction between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, alongside renewed clashes in the northern Tigray region, raising concerns about escalating instability across the Horn of Africa.
"Ethiopia's newly deployed military jets will remain more ready than ever to defend the airspace!" Abiy wrote on social media.
He explained that the fighter aircraft arrived under a previously concluded agreement with Moscow, while delivery of the four S-400 systems is expected at a later date.
"I would like to express my gratitude to my friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, for his dedication in ensuring we received these warplanes a year ahead of our agreed schedule," said Abiy.
The prime minister characterized the acquisitions as an important development in Ethiopia's efforts to enhance its armed forces, safeguard its territory and reinforce national sovereignty.
The Su-35 is a multirole combat aircraft built to carry out air superiority operations as well as attacks against ground targets. Meanwhile, the S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft and other airborne threats.
The military acquisitions come amid growing friction between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea, alongside renewed clashes in the northern Tigray region, raising concerns about escalating instability across the Horn of Africa.
"Ethiopia's newly deployed military jets will remain more ready than ever to defend the airspace!" Abiy wrote on social media.
He explained that the fighter aircraft arrived under a previously concluded agreement with Moscow, while delivery of the four S-400 systems is expected at a later date.
"I would like to express my gratitude to my friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, for his dedication in ensuring we received these warplanes a year ahead of our agreed schedule," said Abiy.
The prime minister characterized the acquisitions as an important development in Ethiopia's efforts to enhance its armed forces, safeguard its territory and reinforce national sovereignty.
The Su-35 is a multirole combat aircraft built to carry out air superiority operations as well as attacks against ground targets. Meanwhile, the S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft and other airborne threats.
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