Ethiopia has confirmed the purchase of six Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, marking the country’s most significant air force upgrade in three decades. The deal was revealed through leaked documents from the Russian state defense company, Rostec.
The Su-35s will replace Ethiopia’s ageing fleet of Su-27s, which have served since the late 1990s. The Su-27s earned global attention during the 1998–2000 war with Eritrea, when Ethiopian pilots won every recorded air engagement. However, with the fleet approaching 30 years of service, modernization had become inevitable.
The new Su-35s are equipped with the Irbis-E radar, capable of detecting targets up to 400 kilometers away, and advanced R-77M and R-37 missiles. The aircraft also feature improved engines, electronic warfare systems, and greater fuel efficiency.
Analysts say this acquisition restores Ethiopia’s position among Africa’s top air powers, rivaling Algeria’s modern fleet. The move also reflects Addis Ababa’s growing defense cooperation with Moscow despite Western sanctions on Russian arms exports.
Military observers believe more aircraft could follow, possibly including the Su-57 stealth fighter, which would further strengthen Ethiopia’s role as a key military player in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s new Su-35 fleet signals a clear message: the country intends to control its skies, protect its national interests, and maintain regional dominance in an increasingly complex security environment.