Why is Russia sending fighter jets and air defences to Ethiopia?
Summary
Ethiopia has received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets and plans to acquire four S-400 air-defence batteries under agreements announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Moscow. The deal deepens long-standing military ties with Russia as Ethiopia faces conflict at home and tensions with Eritrea, but analysts say Addis Ababa is broadening its partnerships rather than choosing Russia exclusively.Key Facts
- Abiy Ahmed announced the agreements during a visit to Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit.
- Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Su-35 fighter jets under an earlier agreement with Russia.
- Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air-defence batteries, but no delivery date was announced.
- Analysts say the S-400 systems could defend against conventional air threats, but may be less effective against small, inexpensive drones.
- Russia and Ethiopia have a history of military cooperation dating back to the Soviet Union’s support for Ethiopia’s former communist government.
- Russia’s arms sales bring revenue and can sustain ties through training, maintenance and replacement equipment.
- Abiy said talks with Putin also covered nuclear energy, health and trade; Putin said bilateral trade exceeded $1.3 billion in January through September.
- Analysts say Ethiopia is seeking options from multiple international partners rather than aligning exclusively with Russia.
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