Ethiopia Announces Su-35 Fighter Jet Acquisition

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said deliveries of Russian Su-35 fighter jets are scheduled for a year earlier than originally planned. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for expediting them.

Key details

• Ethiopia’s air force operates Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft.
• The Su-35 would add another Russian-built fighter type to the fleet.
• The announcement did not include a delivery year or aircraft count.

Abiy Ahmed said the Su-35 deliveries are scheduled a year earlier than originally planned.

Why it matters

Adding the Su-35 would give Ethiopia’s air force a third Russian-built Sukhoi fighter type, alongside its Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft.