Israeli Researcher Says Ethiopia's Su-35 Fighters Spark Anxiety in Egyptian Circles

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighter jets has boosted Ethiopia’s military capabilities and its expanding regional influence, Israeli researcher and journalist with Israel’s Channel 14, Eddie Cohen, said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the researcher said Egyptian and Arab media outlets are closely following Ethiopia’s military development.

Egypt views Ethiopia’s successful acquisition of the advanced fighter jets with growing concern, he added.

According to Cohen, Egypt had previously sought to acquire the same Russian aircraft but abandoned the deal following American pressure 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."

Ethiopia, meanwhile, managed to overcome these obstacles, using its diplomatic initiatives and international relations to secure the agreement with Russia, he elaborated.

“The Egyptians are terrified of the aircraft Ethiopia has received from Russia,” Cohen said, pointing to the scale of concern the development has generated in Egypt.

He stated that Ethiopia’s success in acquiring the fighter jets, despite the international pressure that forced Egypt to abandon its own efforts, demonstrates a clear difference in the two countries’ ability to manage international relations and advance their strategic interests.

Cohen also criticized Egyptian policies, arguing that Egypt lacks a coherent political vision capable of addressing domestic challenges and regional transformations.

He added that mounting economic difficulties, alongside political and regional challenges, are raising increasing questions about the Egyptian leadership’s ability to manage the country's affairs.

Cohen’s remarks highlight the contrast between Ethiopia’s approach of expanding international partnerships and strengthening its defense capabilities, and Egypt’s trajectory of mounting domestic economic pressures and growing challenges in its regional policy.

Recall that Ethiopia received advanced Russian Su-35 fighter jets as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and modernize its military infrastructure.

Addressing the broader geopolitical landscape, Prime Minister Abiy stressed that robust preparation during times of peace is essential to insulate the nation from 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."

As the first nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to harness such advanced military capabilities, Ethiopia has significantly strengthened its deterrent framework.