Ethiopia Receives 12 Russian Fighter Jets Amid Tensions

Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian Su-35 4++ Generation fighter jets, as announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. This delivery comes amid heightened tensions with Eritrea, following Ethiopia's military actions against Eritrea-backed rebels in the Tigray state.

Ethiopia and Eritrea severed diplomatic ties earlier in the month, although both leaders attended the summit, which hosted delegations from 48 African nations. Abiy Ahmed described the acquisition as a "historic achievement" that would bolster Ethiopia's security and regional stability.

Additionally, he mentioned that Ethiopia would receive four S-400 air defense system batteries under a prior agreement with the Russian government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed interest in facilitating rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea during the summit, highlighting Moscow's role in promoting dialogue between the two nations.