Ethiopia receives 12 Russian fighter jets as Tigray clashes resume

Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting has resumed in Tigray and tensions with neighbouring Eritrea persist. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the delivery a milestone for national defence, saying the aircraft arrived ahead of schedule under an agreement made several years ago.

Abiy said Ethiopia also plans to acquire four Russian S-400 air defence systems, presenting both purchases as protection against external threats. A military analyst said the jets could signal preparation for conflict beyond Ethiopia’s internal fighting and, alongside air defences, help protect cities and critical infrastructure. The latest Tigray clashes began last month; both the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front accuse the other of breaching the 2022 deal that ended a civil war, while Ethiopia and Eritrea remain at odds.