Ethiopia has taken delivery of 12 Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets as renewed fighting in the northern Tigray region raises concerns about security across the Horn of Africa.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the acquisition while attending a Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, describing the deal as a major step towards strengthening his country's military capabilities.

Abiy said the agreement had been reached several years ago and that the aircraft arrived earlier than expected. He also disclosed plans to acquire four Russian S-400 air defence systems, which are designed to intercept aircraft and certain incoming missiles.

The Ethiopian leader said the equipment was necessary to protect the country against external threats, amid deteriorating relations with neighbouring Eritrea and renewed hostilities in Tigray.

“If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult,” Abiy said, arguing that military preparedness was essential to national security.

He also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a close friend of Ethiopia.

Rising tensions in the Horn of Africa

The acquisition comes as fighting has resumed between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the political movement that controls the northern region.

The latest clashes follow a 2022 agreement that ended a devastating two-year war in Tigray. The federal government and the TPLF have accused each other of violating the terms of the peace deal.

Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have also come under strain. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea of supporting the TPLF, a claim Asmara has denied.

The dispute is unfolding against a wider disagreement over Ethiopia's access to the sea. Abiy has described securing direct maritime access as an existential concern for his landlocked country, while Eritrea views such ambitions as a threat to its sovereignty.

Eritrea became independent in 1993 after a long struggle for independence from Ethiopia, leaving Ethiopia without its own coastline.

What the Russian weapons mean for Ethiopia

Military intelligence analyst Qalaab Segatu told BBC Amharic that the purchase suggested Ethiopia was preparing for possible confrontations beyond its internal conflicts.

The Su-35 is a Russian-designed, multi-role fighter capable of engaging targets in the air and on the ground. Its radar and manoeuvrability are designed to support operations across large areas.

The planned S-400 systems would add another layer of air defence. Together, the aircraft and missile systems could strengthen Ethiopia's ability to protect major cities and strategic infrastructure, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Abiy said drones would remain an important part of the country's defence strategy, alongside more advanced fighter aircraft. Ethiopia has previously deployed drones acquired from countries including Turkey and China during its recent conflicts.

Ethiopia and Russia have expanded their military cooperation in recent years. Their agreements have included arrangements signed in 2021 to support military training and technological development.

The latest acquisition signals Addis Ababa's continued investment in military strength at a time when the fragile peace in Tigray faces renewed pressure and tensions with Eritrea remain unresolved.

Whether the additional weapons will deter further conflict or contribute to a wider regional arms build-up remains uncertain.