Abiy Ahmed

“as a close friend of Ethiopia”

Abiy Ahmed · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-29

Abiy described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a close friend of Ethiopia while announcing the acquisition of Russian fighter jets.

“If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult. Countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied,”

Abiy Ahmed · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-29

Abiy said the military hardware from Russia was essential to protect Ethiopia from external threats.

“We need to build capacity not only with drones, but also with the fourth generation capabilities of the Su 30 and Su 35 [aircraft],”

Abiy Ahmed · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-29

Abiy said Ethiopia needed to build capacity beyond drones, including fourth-generation Su-30 and Su-35 aircraft, to strengthen deterrence.