Ethiopia takes 12 Russian Su-35 jets as Tigray war flares
Why it matters: Addis Ababa also plans to add four S-400 air defense systems, deepening military ties with Moscow.
Ethiopia has received 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets as fighting intensifies in the northern Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. Abiy said the aircraft arrived a year ahead of schedule under a deal agreed with Moscow several years ago, and that Ethiopia will later receive four S-400 air defense systems. He did not give the value of the agreement, delivery dates for the S-400s or where the systems would be based. The buildup comes after renewed conflict in Tigray last month between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, with both sides accusing the other of violating the 2022 peace deal. Ethiopia also accuses Eritrea of backing the rebels, which Asmara denies.