Ethiopia’s Su-35 Fighters Spark Anxiety in Egyptian Circles, Israeli Researcher Edy Cohen Says

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s acquisition of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets has strengthened its military capabilities and enhanced its growing regional influence, Israeli researcher and journalist Edy Cohen of Israel’s Channel 14 has said.

Cohen said Egyptian and Arab media outlets were closely monitoring Ethiopia’s military development, noting that the acquisition of the advanced fighter jets had raised growing concern in Egypt.

According to Cohen, Egypt had previously sought to acquire the same Russian aircraft but abandoned the effort following pressure from the United States and threats of severe sanctions.

“Washington warned Egypt against concluding the military agreement with Moscow, prompting the Egyptian government to abandon its efforts to acquire the fighter jets,” he said.

Ethiopia, however, managed to overcome such obstacles through its diplomatic initiatives and international relations, securing the agreement with Russia, Cohen added.

“The Egyptians are terrified of the aircraft Ethiopia has received from Russia,” he said, describing the level of concern the acquisition has generated in Egypt.

He further argued that Ethiopia’s success in securing the fighter jets despite the international pressure that had led Egypt to abandon its own procurement efforts demonstrated differences in the two countries’ ability to manage international relations and advance their strategic interests.

Cohen also criticized Egypt’s domestic and regional policies, arguing that the country lacked a coherent political vision to address its internal challenges and respond to changing regional dynamics.

He said mounting economic difficulties, coupled with political and regional challenges, were raising questions about the Egyptian leadership’s capacity to manage the country’s affairs, as reported by ENA.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has underscored the importance of strengthening national preparedness during peacetime to safeguard Ethiopia against external vulnerabilities.

“If we fail to build this capability, surviving as a country in our region will become difficult. Because of this, we have been training personnel, and the Su-35s we have now been equipped adequately help defend Ethiopia’s airspace. Above all, however, countries with sufficient preparation are not easily defied. Preparation averts conflict,” the Prime Minister said.

Ethiopia’s acquisition of the advanced Russian fighter jets forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and modernize its military infrastructure.