Ethiopia has reportedly received 12 Su-35SE multirole fighter jets from Russia, which represents a major development in the African nation’s military aviation modernization initiative. Ethiopian state media reported the delivery on October 28, 2026, citing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s announcement that the country had taken delivery of its first 12 fourth-generation-plus fighter aircraft.
The reported acquisition has prompted questions regarding the scope of Ethiopia’s agreement with Russia, the aircraft’s origins, and the possibility of acquiring additional fighters. Foreign media had previously reported on a contract for six Su-35 fighters with export versions, with deliveries expected for 2027. The announcement of an initial shipment of 12 aircraft implies that the program may be broader or advanced than previously believed.
Nevertheless, the precise contractual arrangements, aircraft production dates, and delivery schedule have not been independently determined. Consequently, the announcement represents a significant advancement in Russian defense exports; however, there are numerous uncertainties that require clarification.
Russia remains central to Ethiopia’s combat aviation
For decades, Ethiopia has depended on military equipment from the Soviet Union and Russia. Ethiopia has undertaken successive attempts to modernize its combat aircraft fleet in order to maintain a capable air force and respond to the regional security environment.
The reported Su-35SE delivery follows other acquisitions intended to strengthen the Ethiopian Air Force. Ethiopia was reported to have acquired at least six Su-30 fighter aircraft from Russia in 2024 that had been modernized. The twin-seat aircraft support operational conversion and training, in addition to providing supplementary combat capability.
Additionally, it has been reported that Ethiopia acquired ten Yak-130 advanced jet trainers in 2026. Although their exact operational status and delivery would necessitate separate confirmation, these aircraft can assist pilots in preparing for the operation of more advanced combat aircraft.
Ethiopia has continued to operate Su-27 fighters acquired during the 2000s in addition to these more recent acquisitions. Although the number of these aircraft that are currently operational is uncertain, approximately twelve of them have been referenced in reports that pertain to the nation’s existing combat fleet.
This transition would be furthered by the introduction of the Su-35SE. The aircraft boasts high maneuverability, long-range weapons capability, modern avionics, and advanced radar. It is intended to conduct air-superiority missions, as well as assaults against maritime and ground targets.
The mystery surrounding the aircraft’s origins
One of the most intriguing questions concerns when the 12 reported fighters were manufactured and whether they were originally intended for another customer.
A potential explanation reported in foreign media is that Russia may have redirected aircraft originally intended for Egypt. Reports suggested that Russia had produced 24 Su-35 fighters for the Egyptian Air Force before 2022. Following the collapse of the intended export arrangement, reports indicate that the aircraft remained undeliverable and were stored at the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
If that account is accurate, it is possible that a portion of the aircraft could have been allocated to another customer, rather than necessitating a new production run. The reported receipt of 12 fighters by Ethiopia would be consistent with the possibility of reassigning an existing inventory; however, it does not confirm that these aircraft were part of the Egyptian order.
The information currently available does not corroborate the reported Egyptian origin or the excat manufacturing history of Ethiopia’s aircraft. Reliable statements from the Ethiopian government, the relevant export authorities, or the Russian manufacturer would be necessary to establish their origin.
Nevertheless, the possibility is significant because it could clarify the manner in which Ethiopia reportedly received a dozen advanced fighters ahead of the delivery schedule that was previously discussed in foreign media.
What about Russia’s reported Su-35 deal with Iran?
The Ethiopian announcement also raises concerns about conflicting reports regarding Iran’s acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighters.
Iran has been linked to a potential order for up to 48 export-version Su-35 aircraft, according to foreign media. It was suggested in certain reports that aircraft that were originally designed for Egypt could be redirected to Iran. Nevertheless, it is challenging to determine the operational status, delivery quantities, and contractual terms of any Iranian Su-35s from publicly available information.
Additionally, unverified reports have indicated that Iran may have received a limited number of aircraft by 2025. Those assertions should not be considered as confirmed deliveries in the absence of independent evidence.
The topic of how Russia has distributed its existing Su-35 inventory among foreign customers becomes even more relevant if aircraft from the former Egyptian order have been allocated to Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s announcement does not prove that Iran received fewer aircraft, that the two countries competed for the same airframes, or that Russia changed any existing contracts.
A potentially important development for Russian fighter exports
Ethiopia’s capacity to execute air-defence and air superiority missions would be strengthened by the reported introduction of 12 Su-35SE fighters. It would also introduce a more advanced combat platform to a fleet that already includes Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft designed by the Russians.
The development has the potential to illustrate the Su-35 export program’s ongoing relevance for Russia, despite the uncertainty surrounding production capacity, international sanctions, and competing demands from domestic and foreign customers.
The next major question is whether Ethiopia has received only the first 12 aircraft or whether another batch is planned. The reported announcement’s language, which specifically refers to the “first 12 fighters,” implies the potential for additional deliveries, but it does not specify their quantity or timing.
The aircraft’s origins, the total size of Ethiopia’s order, and the relationship between the Ethiopian and previously reported Egyptian and Iranian arrangements remain unresolved until additional contractual or official details emerge.
It is evident that the reported delivery has re-emphasized Russia’s Su-35 export commitments and Ethiopia’s combat aviation modernization. It will be necessary to obtain additional confirmation to ascertain whether these fighters are a new production batch or a redistribution of aircraft that were previously manufactured for a client.