Ethiopia Receives First Su-35 Fighters from Russia

 

Ethiopia has announced the delivery of its first 12 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, marking a significant expansion of the East African country's combat aviation capabilities.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali announced on 28 October that the aircraft had been delivered under an agreement with the Russian government. He also stated that Ethiopia would receive four S-400 air defence system batteries as part of the deal.

The Su-35 is a 4++ generation multirole fighter derived from the Su-27 family. Equipped with advanced radar, powerful engines and a broad range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, it will provide a substantial boost to the Ethiopian Air Force's combat capabilities.

The reported acquisition would represent a major step in Ethiopia's efforts to modernise its military aviation, which relies heavily on Russian-origin aircraft and equipment. The combination of Su-35 fighters and S-400 long-range air defence systems could also strengthen the country's wider air defence network.

If all the announced deliveries are completed, Ethiopia will significantly increase its ability to conduct air superiority and strike missions, while adding a more advanced fighter type to its existing fleet.

The reported deal further underlines Russia's continued role as a major supplier of military equipment to African countries, despite the pressures on its defence industry caused by the war in Ukraine.

Marruecos, los rumores del Su-35 y el Su-57 argelino: una señal estratégica

 

Recientemente han circulado rumores sobre la posibilidad de que Marruecos esté evaluando la adquisición de hasta 30 cazas rusos Su-35. La noticia ha aparecido en medios turcos y ha sido recogida por publicaciones como La Razón. Sin embargo, un análisis más detallado sugiere que no se trata tanto de una intención real de compra, sino de una estrategia de señalización geopolítica.

Rumor del Su-35 vs realidad operativa

El Su-35 es un caza de generación 4.5 con excelentes capacidades aire-aire y multirrol. En teoría, podría incrementar significativamente la capacidad de la fuerza aérea marroquí. Pero en la práctica, existen obstáculos importantes:

• Dependencia logística de Rusia
• Riesgo de sanciones estadounidenses bajo la ley CAATSA
• Incompatibilidad con plataformas occidentales existentes como los F-16
• Riesgo de tensar la alineación estratégica con Estados Unidos e Israel

En conclusión, la adquisición del Su-35 es altamente improbable desde un punto de vista operativo.

El objetivo real: el F-15

Marruecos ya opera el F-16 Fighting Falcon, muchos modernizados a estándares avanzados. Sin embargo, frente al incremento de capacidades de Argelia, Rabat necesita un salto cualitativo:

• Superioridad aérea real
• Mayor capacidad de carga y alcance
• Mejor radar y opciones de guerra electrónica

El F-15 representa un objetivo mucho más realista y compatible con el ecosistema occidental en el que Marruecos está integrado.

El factor Su-57 argelino

La supuesta adquisición del Su-57 por Argelia añade una capa crítica al equilibrio regional. Aunque la producción y despliegue operativo de esta quinta generación aún es limitada, su existencia cambia la percepción de superioridad aérea.

Marruecos no puede depender únicamente de sus F-16 modernizados. Los rumores del Su-35 funcionan como herramienta de presión y señal: “tenemos alternativas si nuestros aliados no responden”

Señales estratégicas en acción

Este patrón se repite en la geopolítica militar:

• Rival introduce capacidades avanzadas (Su-57 en Argelia)
• Marruecos lanza rumores de escalada (Su-35)
• Los aliados (EE.UU., Israel) observan y ajustan su respuesta

Resultado probable: adquisición de sistemas occidentales de alto nivel (F-15 o mejoras en F-16)

Implicaciones regionales

El rumor en sí mismo altera la percepción en el norte de África, aumenta la presión sobre Argelia y sus aliados occidentales y Marruecos mantiene flexibilidad estratégica mientras negocia con EE.UU. e Israel

Conclusión

Los rumores sobre el Su-35 tienen una baja probabilidad operativa, pero es uns alta señal estratégica. Un objetivo realista son el F-15  y mejoras avanzadas en los F-16. Con este rumor se estaría utilizando el Su-57 argelino como catalizador de las aspiraciones marroquíes

En el equilibrio aéreo norteafricano, la percepción es casi tan importante como la realidad, y Marruecos parece estar utilizando cada herramienta disponible para asegurarse un salto cualitativo frente a Argelia.

Ethiopia Confirms New Russian SU-30, Yak-130 Jets Amid Emirati Mirage 2000 Rumor

The recent 90th Anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force (EtAF), celebrated at Bishoftu Air Base in January 2026, served as a definitive showcase for Addis Ababa’s aggressive modernization program. This is not merely a quantitative increase in airframes, but a calculated doctrinal shift toward a high-tech ecosystem integrating advanced training, air superiority, and multi-role versatility.

Yak-130: The Foundation for Advanced Training and CAS

A key highlight of the "Black Lion 2026" exhibition was the confirmation of the Yakovlev Yak-130 in operational service. At least six units (serials 2301 to 2306) were displayed, indicating that the first batch of an estimated 10-aircraft contract is now active.

Mission Profile: Beyond its primary role as a Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT), the Yak-130's hardpoints allow it to function effectively in Close Air Support (CAS) roles.

Bridging the Gap: This platform is essential for transitioning pilots toward 4.5-generation fighters, simulating the flight profiles and avionics of heavy combat aircraft.

Su-35 and Su-30K: Consolidation of Air Superiority

The EtAF is systematically replacing its aging Su-27 fleet with modernized "Flanker" variants from various sources.

• Su-30K: Operations have been confirmed for the units delivered in 2024 (serials 2401 and 2402), which were refurbished Russian-origin aircraft formerly operated by India.
• Su-35 "Flanker-E": Credible reports indicate a contract for at least six Su-35 units. The integration of the Flanker-E provides Ethiopia with superior BVR (Beyond Visual Range) capabilities and thrust-vectoring maneuverability.

The UAE Connection: The Mirage 2000-9 and the French Approval Factor

The potential transfer of 20 Mirage 2000-9 fighters from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would complete Ethiopia's multi-role capability. While the Su-35 and Su-30 focus on long-range air dominance, the Emirati Mirage—renowned for its advanced avionics—would provide surgical tactical flexibility.

However, a critical geopolitical hurdle remains: End-User Certificate (EUC) compliance. As the original manufacturer, France must formally approve the re-export of these aircraft to a third party. While Abu Dhabi is keen to offload the fleet to make room for its incoming Rafale F4s, Paris will weigh this decision against regional stability and its own diplomatic interests in the Horn of Africa. Without the Élysée's green light, the transfer remains a strategic ambition rather than a logistical reality.

This modernization, bolstered by Bayraktar Akinci and Orion UAVs, signals Ethiopia's intent to establish a hybrid force structure capable of regional dominance by the end of the decade.

Russian Su-35 Shot Down Ukrainian Su-25 & MiG-29 Jets During Combat Sortie

A Russian Su-35S multirole fighter jet successfully engaged and shot down Ukrainian Su-25 and MiG-29 aircraft during a combat sortie, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The pilot of the Su-35S fighter jet, said that a pair of Su-25s and one MiG-29 were spotted at a distance of around 200 kilometers. Apparently, the Su-25s were preparing to carry out the ground attack, and MiG-29s must have been escorting them.

According to the pilot, after the missile was launched, the tags from the radars disappeared. Further, intelligence confirmed: two aircraft were shot down, and the cover fighter left the escort zone.

However, Russian fighters have remained very effective and lethal against Ukrainian aircraft throughout the war, particularly the Su-35S armed with the R-77-1 air-to-air missile (AAM), according to a recent study on the Russian Air War in Ukraine, conducted by London-based Royal United Services Institute.

Ukrainian fighter pilots cited by the experts at RUSI admit that Russia’s Su-30SM and Su-35S completely outclass Ukrainian Air Force fighters.

eurasiantimes 

Russia completes deliveries of SU-35 fighter aircraft to China

Russia has completed the delivery of 24 Sukhoi Su-35 'Flanker-E' multirole fighter aircraft to China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
Russian defence conglomerate Rostec had previously been quoted as saying that China had received the first 4 Su-35 platforms in 2016 and a further 10 in 2017 as part of a contract for 24 aircraft estimated to be worth about USD2.5 billion.
In November 2015, Rostec announced that Beijing had signed the contract to purchase the Su-35s, making China the first foreign customer of the Russian-built aircraft, which is claimed to be an upgraded and highly manoeuvrable '4++ generation' fighter with characteristics and performance close to those of upcoming 'fifth-generation combat aircraft'.
The Russian-Sino agreement reportedly includes not only the sale of the aircraft but also the delivery of, among other things, ground support equipment and spare engines
janes

China PLA scrambles Su-35s, J-20s to S China Sea as US Navy sails in

Beijing has responded to the US Navy’s ramped-up presence in the South China Sea – an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson has been scheduled to call at Vietnamese ports next month – with squadrons of advanced fighters including Su-35s and J-20s that will soon start patrolling the 3.5-million-square-kilometer sea.
Further incidents involving US and Chinese forces appear inevitable after the China News Service revealed that the US guided-missile destroyer Hopper came within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) last month, and was intercepted by the Chinese missile destroyer Huangshan. CNS said the US warship steered away from the area after a brief standoff.
Similar encounters in the air are set to become frequent as well, as the People’s Liberation Army has dispatched an unconfirmed number of Su-35 multirole fighters to the sea for joint combat cruise missions.
This is “a pragmatic action for the air force to fulfill its mission in the new era and conduct combat training exercises” above the South China Sea, said a statement by the PLA Air Force on its Weibo social media account.
It is also rumored that several J-20s already in service with the PLAAF will fly south to join Russian-made counterparts to test the 4.5th generation fighter’s operational reliability.
atimes

Indonesia Hopes to Sign Su-35 Purchase Deal By End of 2017

Indonesia hopes to sign a contract on the purchase of Russia's Su-35 fighter jets by the end of 2017, Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi told Sputnik on Wednesday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi said Jakarta expects to receive 11 aircraft as part of the countertrade program memorandum of cooperation, which the envoy said is the final stage before the contract is signed.
Russia's Rostec state corporation signed the memorandum with the Indonesian Trading Company earlier in August.
Su-35 is a multi-purpose super-maneuverable fighter of the 4++ generation, equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, ensuring the aircraft’s superiority over other jets of the same type. The jet’s maximum speed amounts to 1,550 miles per hour with a flying range reaching 2,100 miles.
sputniknews

China receives first four Su-35s

Beijing has taken delivery of four Sukhoi Su-35 fighters: the first installment in an acquistion that will see it receive 24 examples.
News of the jets' arrival in China was revealed in a report by state news organ China Daily.
The report, citing the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, claimed that Moscow was apparently “eager to complete the Su-35 deal” owing to the “commissioning” of the Chengdu J-20 fighter, which made its public debut with a flying display at Airshow China in Zhuhai in November 2016. Negotiations between Beijing and Moscow for the Su-35 deal dragged on for several years prior to this point.
flightglobal

Pakistan confirms Su-35 talks

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-35 'Flanker-E' fighter aircraft from Russia in potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries, but a final decision is yet to be made.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for an unspecified number of Su-35s, which follow a recent agreement to provide Mi-35M 'Hind E' attack helicopters to Islamabad.
While the official said "it's too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms", the fact that discussions have taken place shows Russia's willingness to sell advanced hardware with Pakistan despite Moscow's longstanding ties with India.
The official said Pakistan's interest in the Su-35 was driven by the PAF's need for a twin-engine fighter "that can fly for a longer range than the JF-17 and penetrate more deeply into the enemy's territory". The PAF flies a mixed fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage-5s, Chinese-manufactured F-7s, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by China and Pakistan.
Pakistan is in discussions with China to buy 30 to 40 FC-31s - the export version of China's J-31 fifth-generation platform, because it is fitted with two RD-93 Russian Klimov engines, which also powers the JF-17. PAF in the past also considered the purchase of up to 40 Chengdu J-10 fighters.
janes

Sukhoi Su-35 To Replace Indonesian F-5 Tiger Aircraft

Indonesia has selected Russian Su-35 fighter aircraft to replace 16 F-5 Tiger aircraft.
The Ministry of Defense considered Sukhoi as a replacement for the F-5 Tiger, he said, because Air Force pilots are accustomed to flying Sukhoi.
If the deal goes through, it will be the first export of the Sukhoi Su-35 outside of Russia. China too is reported to be negotiating to buy the aircraft.

Russia to Begin Testing Three More T-50 PAK-FA Stealth Fighter Prototypes

United Aircraft Corp. plans to deliver three more prototypes of an advanced stealth fighter jet to the Russian military for testing as early as next year, a company official said.
The president of the Moscow-based company, Yuri Slyusar, said three more of the T-50 PAK-FA, a fifth-generation stealth fighter made by United Aircraft subsidiary Sukhoi, will be transferred to the Russian air force in late 2016 or early 2016 as part of a test program.
That will bring the total number of T-50 prototypes to eight, according to a fact sheet distributed at the event. The PAK-FA first flew in 2011.
Compared to the previous generation fighters, the PAK-FA combines the functions of a strike aircraft and a fighter, thus offering a number of unique capabilities, the fact sheet states. As the fifth-generation aircraft, it has an essentially new thoroughly integrated avionics package providing superior automatic control and intelligence support.
While the T-50 has experienced some development challenges such as engine flameouts, the aircraft is performing well in tests.
The governments of Russia and India have partnered to develop an export version of the aircraft. Russian officials have trained their Indian counterparts and supplied with them data and software to work on research and development.
The Indian version of the aircraft “will have some differences from the Russian prototype due to specific requirements of the Indian air force,” the fact sheet states.
Unlike the previous Paris Air Show, when Russian aircraft such as the Su-35 dominated the skies and dazzled the crowds, the government doesn’t have any military aircraft performing at this year’s event largely because it wanted to focus attention on new civilian aircraft such as plans for a new wide-body airliner to be developed in collaboration with China.
Slyusar also said the company expects to sign a contract this year to sell 24 Su-35s for the Chinese military and is in talks to ink a deal to perform more maintenance work on Russia aircraft.
defensetech

Taiwan Launches Ambitious Plans For New Weapons In All Fronts, Cleared to Buy C-27J

China's steady acquisition of advanced weaponry has driven ambitious Taiwanese requirements, including plans to procure stealth fighters, advanced jet trainers, long-range unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and main battle tanks.
Some requirements are awaiting sale notification to the US Congress or are still working through the Ministry of National Defense's internal programming process. Those include:
• MH-60R naval helicopters.
• Aircraft-deployed mines, such as the Quickstrike series.
• Shipboard electronic warfare system upgrades, such as the SLQ-32.
• Phalanx close-in weapon systems.
• Tactical datalink systems as part of a follow-on to the Po Sheng C4ISR upgrade program, now more commonly referred to as "Shyun An" or "Xun An."

Among the Chinese programs spurring Taiwan's response are Su-35 fighter aircraft and long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. Chinese efforts in the South China Sea have also driven requirements for more ships and submarines, though these will be largely indigenous build programs.
Defense sources indicate Taiwan is interested in acquiring an additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, presumably as replacement for the unit lost in a training accident in 2014.
Taiwan needs to start replacing its fighter trainers in the next few years, but the Air Force has not announced a selection process for new trainers to replace aging F-5 fighters and AT-3 attack trainers, though plans for a tentative budget have been announced by Air Force officials for 2017.
The Air Force uses its F-5E/F fighters and AT-3 jet trainers for training before moving forward to one of three fighters: F-16A/Bs, Mirage 2000-5s or indigenous defense fighters.
The Air Force has said it wants to procure 68 advanced jet trainers for advanced training, lead-in and operations transitioning training, Shih said.
At present, there are three candidates: the US Air Force's T-X program, which is still under development; the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master; and the T-50 Golden Eagle built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin.
Taiwan's Air Force also has a requirement to replace aging single-engine propeller-driven Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor trainers procured from the US in the 1980s. The T-34 squadron has suffered numerous fatal accidents over the past several years. The Beechcraft AT-6 is the most likely candidate.
Taiwan also has been pursuing a procurement for six C­27J Spartan medium-transport aircraft, along with an indigenous training and maintenance package, to replace the Air Force's Fokker 50 VIP aircraft. The US government has released the C-27J for Taiwan, but the Air Force is awaiting financing, which has been hampered by the cost of recent upgrades to its indigenous defense fighters and upcoming upgrades to its F-16A/B fighter fleet.
defensenews

China will have to purchase Su-35 fighters To Fill The Gaps In Its Air Force

China needs Russian Su-35 fighters, despite the fact that Beijing has carried out flight testing of it own latest fighter J-11D.
J-11D was derived from J-11B, which is analogue of Su-27 manufactured in China. Probably the most outstanding feature of J-11D is the fact that it is fitted with avionics installed on the more advanced J-16 fighter. The jet is fitted with radar with an active electronically scanned array (AESA).
China needs Su-35 in order to fill the gap in the fleet of its air forces. Even if China increases output to two J-11 jets per month it won’t be enough to reduce the gap between Chinese air forces and air forces of other countries. In addition, it is unclear, when J-11 will be able to compete with other fifth-generation fighters.
Su-35 is the “4++”-generation fighter derived from Su-27.
ruaviation

France Ready to Give Indonesia Technology Transfer on Rafale Deal

France asserted on Wednesday that it was willing to provide an industrial cooperation with Indonesia should the Dassault Rafale jet fighter be selected to modernize the Indonesian Air Force.
French Ambassador to Indonesia said that France was open to all cooperation possibilities involving French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation and state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI).
Two Rafale jet fighters, a Rafale B double-seater and a Rafale C single-seater, arrived in Indonesia on Monday from the just-concluded 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia.
On Tuesday, the jet fighters performed three flights for Indonesian Air Force pilots who flew on the Rafale B, taking the back seat.
The Rafale is a latecomer in the competition to replace the F-5 E/F operated by the Indonesian Air Force.
The French jet fighter is facing tough competition with contenders including Su-35, F-16 Block 60, JAS-39 Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Indonesian Air Force has repeatedly said it prefers the Su-35, although the final decision will be made by the Defense Ministry.
defense-studies

Russia will Add 200 New Aircraft to Defense Arsenal to Maintain Higher Operational Readiness

As NATO becomes well entrenched in Eastern Europe, Russia has decided to boost its air capabilities, with almost 200 new airplanes and helicopters to be inducted into its air force and naval branches.
Most countries do not have a fleet of 200 aircraft in their arsenal.
Russia have also reintroduced long-range military air patrol to test the strength and weaknesses of air defences of NATO-aligned nations, an act reminiscent of the Cold War-era distrust between the West and the Russians.
The Russian dominance in aircraft and space technology is well catalogued. The latest induction would see 126 new aircraft and 88 helicopters.
The aircraft delivery would include Sukhoi Su-34 bombers, multipurpose Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets, Yak-130 trainers/light fighters and transport Ilyushin Il-76MD-90 planes. The Russian Air Force is also expected to receive cutting-edge radar stations, such as Nebo-M and Sopka.
The helicopter deliveries will include Ka-52 and Mi-28Nattack helicopters, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-35 combat helicopters and Ka-226.
ibtimes

North Korea asked for SU-35 Russian fighter jets

North Korea made an attempt to purchase advanced fighter jets from Russia by sending a special envoy, who visited Moscow as a special envoy of North Korean leader in November last year, and asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to provide Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets,” a military source said.
Little has been disclosed about the discussions.
It is unknown how many jets the North attempted to acquire.
North Korea operates a fleet of aging and obsolete Soviet and Chinese aircraft. The North Korean air force is comprised of Soviet MiG fighters and some early versions of Sukhoi, hardly a match for the warplanes of the South and the U.S. 7th Air Force based in South Korea.

Su-35 Fighter Jets Could be Supplied to China from Russia Next Year, Official Says

A top official with Russian contractor Sukhoi said Russia will supply “standard” versions of the Su-35 combat aircraft to China.
Sukhoi first deputy director general Boris Bregma said that a “contract will be signed at the end of 2014 or at the beginning of 2015.”
“There are no obvious political or technical reasons hindering the signing of the contract. The only thing to be done is the elaborate consideration of some details and technical issues,” he added.
Bregma said the adaptation of the fighter jet, “Sinification,” will be performed as part of a supplementary contract. They include Chinese-language interfaces and different enhancements.
theepochtimes

Russia and China are Continuing negotiation on Su-35

Moscow and Beijing are continuing talks on the delivery of Su-35 Flanker fighters to China and the contract is currently being clarified.
“Russia and China are continuing negotiations on the Su-35 and the process of agreeing the documents is ongoing".
Earlier in September, Rosoboronexport said that Moscow and Beijing were expecting to seal the deal on the Su-35 jets in 2014.
According to open sources, China plans to buy 24 Su-35 fighters from Russia. Negotiations on China’s purchase of the Russian Su-35 were opened in 2010.
ria.ru

Sukhoi handed over a batch of Su-35 and Su-30M2 aircraft to Russian Air Force

Today the Sukhoi Company handed over a batch of Su-35 and Su-30M2 fighter aircraft to the Ministry of Defense in the framework of the common day of acceptance of the military equipment delivered by the defense industry. The transfer ceremony took place at the airport of the Sukhoi Company’s branch — Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation plant.
sukhoi

Russian Fighters and missiles for China Still On Hold

Russian industry officials are denying media reports that Beijing and Moscow are finalizing a deal on the sale of advanced Russian fighters and surface-to-air missiles to China.
Widely reported by other media outlets, announced that the head of Sukhoi, confirmed that a deal with China to procure Su-35S fighters and S-400 SAMs was close to concluding.
But Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) denies anything beyond the sale of commercial aircraft during his visit to China.
UAC’s communications department, wrote in a news release that sale of the Su-35 was not in discussion with Chinese officials. However, UAC and China did sign a cooperation agreement to build wide-body long-range commercial airliners on May 20.
This does not mean that a deal on the multirole combat aircraft is dead, only that no agreement has been made.
S-400 and Su-35 deals might be sped up because of the growing importance of strategic ties with China for Moscow after the Crimean crisis. Taking into account production cycles, the first S-400s are unlikely to reach China before 2016.”
Whether the sale goes forward today or next year, it will spell trouble for Taiwan and Japan’s efforts to defend the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. The 400-kilometer range S-400 will allow China to strike any aircraft over Taiwan. This will give China effective control of Taiwan’s airspace during a war. At present, China’s 300-kilometer range S-300s can hit aircraft only in a small section of Taiwan’s northwest coastal area.
The S-400 will make it difficult for Tokyo to control the Senkaku’s airspace. The disputed islands are controlled by Japan, but also claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands are within 350 kilometers of China’s coast.
Taiwan is also facing a fighter shortage as older aircraft, such as the roughly 50 F-5s and 55 Mirage 2000s, begin retiring within the next 10 years. What remain are 126 upgraded indigenous defense fighters (IDFs) and 144 F-16A/B fighters. Taiwan has initiated an upgrade program for the F-16s, but still insists the US release 66 F-16C/D fighters on hold since 2006.
One response for Washington would be to sell Taiwan the General Electric F404 or F414-class small turbofan engine that would allow Taiwan to develop its indigenous defense fighter into a very short take-off, supersonic climbing fighter.
defensenews