The Ethiopian Air Force has ordered six Russian-made Su-35 multi-role fighter aircraft.
Arab Defense Website – October 12, 2025: The Ethiopian Air Force has placed an order to purchase six advanced Russian Su-35 fighters, according to new documents issued by the Russian defense industrial complex Rostec. Ethiopia is among the most advanced African countries in possession of an advanced air force, as it operates a fleet of Su-27 fighters that it received in the mid-1990s. These aircraft proved their effectiveness during the war with Eritrea between 1998 and 2000, when they outperformed Eritrean MiG-29 fighters. However, today this fleet is in urgent need of replacement after nearly three decades of service.
The Ethiopian deal represents the third confirmed order for the aircraft in 2025, after Iran and Algeria, according to confidential documents published online on October 3, 2025 by a hacker group known as “Black Mirror.” These documents include correspondence, offers and export contracts that reveal details of Russian defense cooperation with foreign partners, logistical methods to circumvent Western sanctions, as well as technical documents related to weapons deliveries.
Leaked schedules show that Iran has ordered 48 Su-35 fighters, Algeria has contracted for 12 Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighters and 14 Su-34 attack aircraft, while Ethiopia has signed a contract to purchase six Su-35 fighters. The export of these aircraft had previously faced major obstacles due to threats of Western sanctions, which forced Egypt and Indonesia to suspend their orders, while before that China was the only foreign operator of this model after receiving 24 fighters.
As of late 2025, there was no confirmed evidence of Ethiopia owning the Su-35, although occasional rumors circulated of its interest in this advanced fighter. It is likely that the source of the confusion is due to Addis Ababa’s operation of the older version, the Su-30K, which raised speculation about the possibility of it being upgraded to the newer versions, but these speculations did not turn into actual reality.
The Su-35 is a much more advanced platform than the Su-30K currently operated by Ethiopia. The fighter bears the name “Flanker-E” in NATO classification, and it is a deep development of the Su-27 family with “fourth generation++” capabilities. The fighter includes an advanced avionics system, a powerful Irbis-E radar that operates with passive electronic scanning technology (PESA), high-power engines that operate with vectored propulsion technology, and advanced electronic warfare systems. It also has a greater ability to carry weapons, increased range and payload, and is considered one of the most maneuverable non-stealth fighters in the world.
However, owning these aircraft will constitute a huge financial burden on Ethiopia, as the price of one aircraft is about 70 to 80 million dollars, in addition to the costs of establishing the supporting infrastructure, training and maintenance programs. The continued operation of such advanced systems — including fuel, spare parts, and pilot training — will impose long-term financial obligations on a government facing major economic and development challenges.
This potential deal comes in a complex geopolitical context, as Russia seeks to expand its military exports to Africa to enhance its diplomatic influence, but Western sanctions imposed on it since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have made such deals risky, whether due to the threat of secondary sanctions or financing difficulties through the international banking system.
Ethiopia has had close military relations with Moscow for years, especially through the Su-30K deal and some other military equipment. Russian companies have shown their willingness to deal with African countries on flexible financing terms or barter arrangements, factors that may attract Addis Ababa. However, the transition from the Su-30K to the Su-35 represents a significant qualitative leap in terms of cost and complexity, which makes it difficult to justify under the country’s current circumstances.
From a strategic perspective, Ethiopia’s possession of Su-35 fighters will lead to a radical change in the balance of power in the Horn of Africa, as Addis Ababa will enjoy sweeping air superiority over any potential opponent in neighboring countries, and the ability to launch long-range bombing operations. However, the feasibility of these capabilities remains questionable, given that the conflicts that Ethiopia has fought in recent years have been internal in nature against rebel groups that do not possess any air capabilities.
Accordingly, the possibility of Ethiopia possessing Su-35 fighters in the near future seems weak in light of its economic reality and strategic priorities, as well as the political and international pressures related to the human rights issue and its behavior in internal conflicts. While the Russian fighter represents a huge technological leap, its high cost makes it a military luxury that Addis Ababa can hardly afford at the present time.
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