Abiy Calls Russian Warplane Acquisition a "Milestone" for Ethiopia's Defence ‎

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, attending the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, has described Ethiopia's acquisition of new warplanes as a "milestone" that will boost the country's defence capacity.

Abiy said Addis Ababa and Moscow agreed the deal several years ago, and that the aircraft arrived ahead of schedule. His remarks present the delivery as proof that the partnership with Russia can deliver on time, at a moment when Moscow is courting African leaders in its capital.

Background
The announcement fits a pattern. In January 2026, at the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, Abiy said the country would transition to fifth-generation combat aircraft by 2030 as part of a broader expansion.

Ethiopia has also been reported as the first foreign operator of Russia's Orion-E MALE drone. Abiy and Putin last met in Moscow in September 2025, when their talks produced a range of agreements, including in the nuclear energy sector. (Ethiopia unveils newly acquired Russian drones

Analysis
For Ethiopia, air power is a strategic priority. The country is landlocked, faces insecurity in several regions, and has tense relations with neighbours, including Eritrea and Egypt over the Nile dam.

Delivering aircraft early also strengthens Abiy's message that Ethiopia will rely on "reliable partners who respect our sovereignty", language he has used before when speaking of Russia.

For Russia, the delivery is a showcase. Moscow is Africa's largest arms supplier, and a happy customer of Abiy's profile, standing in Moscow, is useful advertising at a summit aimed at deepening military and economic ties.

The questions ahead are practical. How quickly can Ethiopia train pilots and build maintenance capacity?

How will the purchase be paid for, given the country's debt pressures?

And how will Western governments and regional rivals read another step in Addis Ababa's turn toward Moscow?

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/Science communicator, Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,United States Institute of Peace (USIP), [email protected] +233555275880

Source: Abiy's remarks at the Russia-Africa summit, Moscow.