The Russians delivered 12 Su-35 aircraft to Ethiopia ahead of the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow

Russia delivered Ethiopia its first 12 Su-35 fighter jets and four batteries of the S-400 air defense system on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy visited Moscow to attend the Third Russia-Africa Summit.

The Ethiopian prime minister described the delivery as a historic moment and said the new equipment would strengthen the country’s sovereignty, deterrence capabilities and regional security. Abiy thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for delivering the aircraft one year ahead of the agreed deadline.

According to the prime minister, acquiring Su-35 jets gives Ethiopia one of the most advanced air capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa. The delivery comes as the Ethiopian army confronts rebel groups in the north of the country. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front announced a “defensive war” on September 23, following months of escalation and drone bombardments.

Delegations from 48 African countries are expected at the summit in Moscow, with more than 20 represented at head-of-state level. The Kremlin says that over the past three years, trade between Russia and African countries has risen from $17.9 billion to $27.1 billion.