AMN Plus-October 28, 2026
Ethiopia has received Russia’s cutting-edge military tech with delivery on Wednesday of 12 Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets, and with four S-400 air defense system batteries soon to be additionally delivered, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced from Moscow where he is scheduled to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit.
“Our comprehensive efforts to sustainably ensure our country’s peace and security have reached a new milestone today. The state of readiness being built within Ethiopia’s defense forces is endowing the nation with the capability to preemptively deter aggression,” Abiy wrote on X.
“In accordance with our prior agreement with the Russian government, we have today taken delivery of the first twelve Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets. Additionally, Ethiopia will receive four S-400 air defense system batteries.”
Prime Minister Abiy expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his dedication in ensuring the delivery of the warplanes a year ahead of agreed schedule. “By equipping itself with these fighter jets, Ethiopia has taken the lead among Sub-Saharan African nations.”
This historic achievement further strengthens our nation’s sovereignty, and it will serve as a massive capability boost that allows us to confidently continue our journey toward ensuring our collective security and regional stability in the future.
Ethiopia’s military reform launched centers on transition into a highly modernized, technologically independent, and structurally agile professional force.
Driven by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the reform program aims to address internal conflicts and shifting Horn of Africa dynamics by moving away from conventional troop counts toward cutting-edge capabilities, according to Pulse of Africa.