Ethiopia adds to Su-35 fighter jet list

Ethiopia has become the fifth country to purchase the Su-35 fighter jet, joining Algeria, Egypt, China, Indonesia, and Iran. The aircraft is part of a family of Russian-made fighters known for their advanced features and capabilities.

Su-35 design features

The Su-35 differs from other models in the Su-27/Su-30 family by the absence of a dorsal air brake, which is replaced by the deflection of the movable parts of the two vertical tails. This design change enhances maneuverability and performance in combat scenarios.

Aircraft delivery at Russia-Africa summit

Ethiopia received twelve Su-35 fighter jets during the Russia-Africa summit. This delivery marks a significant military acquisition for the country, which has had a long-standing relationship with Russian aviation manufacturer Sukhoi.

Expected air defense systems

In addition to the fighter jets, Ethiopia is expected to receive S-400 air defense systems. These systems are among the most advanced in the world, capable of detecting and engaging a variety of aerial targets, including aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Ethiopia’s history with Sukhoi aircraft

Ethiopia has been familiar with Sukhoi production for over 25 years, having possessed Sukhoi 27 aircraft and some Su-30K aircraft since 2024. The arrival of the Su-36, the latest version of the Sukhoi 27 family, continues this long-standing partnership.

Regional tensions and military timing

The delivery of the Su-35 fighter jets occurs amid regional tensions, with fighting resuming in the Tigré region in September. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was present during the delivery of the first aircraft, noting that the aircraft arrived one year ahead of the schedule agreed with Moscow.

Details of the agreement remain unclear

The exact number of aircraft ordered and the details of the weapons provided remain unknown. This lack of transparency is common in such defense agreements, which are often negotiated with significant secrecy.