Ethiopia receives 12 Russian fighter jets amid Tigray war

Ethiopia has received 12 Su-35 fighter jets from Russia as fighting intensifies in the Tigray region, which borders Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the acquisition a milestone and said Ethiopia plans to acquire four S-400 air defence systems from Moscow. Abiy said the deal was agreed several years ago and the aircraft arrived ahead of schedule, describing the equipment as necessary to counter external threats. A military intelligence analyst said the purchase signalled preparation for possible wars with other countries and could help protect cities and strategic infrastructure, including the Renaissance Dam.