Amid intensifying conflict along the Eritrean border, Ethiopia’s military has bolstered its capabilities with the arrival of dozens of Russian Su-35 fighter jets and advanced S-400 defense systems.
The hardware injection follows sharp escalations in Tigray, where government troops recently reclaimed the regional capital of Mekelle from Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces.
Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, defended the military expansion, warning that strong defense readiness is essential to preserving stability in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, Prime Minister Abiy noted that the aircraft were delivered a year ahead of schedule under an existing agreement with Russia, making Ethiopia the first Sub-Saharan African nation to operate the advanced technology.
Meanwhile, the presence of Eritrean troops in the region continues to heighten fears of a broader regional crisis.
