Belarus has received a new delivery of Su-30SM2 multipurpose fighters, which have arrived at one of the country’s air bases, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus announced on 29 January.
According to the ministry, the new aircraft are part of the ongoing process of upgrading Belarus’ air defense and air defense forces. The Su-30SM2 had already been put into service earlier, and this delivery follows the plan for the transition to the modernized fighters. The previous delivery was delivered in December last year.
The arrival of the planes was confirmed by the Deputy Commander of the Air Defense and Air Defense Forces, and Chief of the Air Force, Colonel Aleksandr Belyaev, in an official statement from the ministry.
“Our pilots’ most important task is to protect the country’s air borders. They are on the front line of defense,” Belyaev said. “The arrival of new air assets is always a celebration for the pilots. Flying a fighter fresh from the factory is an honor and a joy, but also carries a great responsibility.”
The officer added that the level of responsibility among personnel who operate and maintain the new aircraft is very high. “The sense of responsibility that air personnel have when working with this equipment exceeds all limits. We have no right to disappoint our people and our country. We will do everything to ensure that our dear fatherland remains peaceful and prosperous,” he stated.
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM and includes improvements in avionics, radar systems and compatibility with the latest guided weapons. Designed for air superiority, escort, interception and attack, the fighter serves as a central platform for both the Russian and Belarusian air forces.
In recent years, Belarus has gradually expanded its fleet of modern combat aircraft as part of closer military integration with Russia. The Su-30SM2 deliveries take place within the framework of bilateral defense cooperation agreements and aim to replace Soviet fighters still in service in Belarusian units.
The Air Defense and Air Defense Forces of Belarus use the Su-30SM family as one of the mainstays of the protection of the national airspace. The aircraft are routinely used for air patrols, joint exercises with Russian forces and integrated air defense activities within the Union State cooperation.
The Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the number of aircraft in this delivery or which base received them. However, the confirmation shows that Belarus continues to receive factory-new aircraft as part of a phased modernization programme.
The delivery comes amid increasing regional military activity along NATO’s eastern flank, where Belarusian and Russian forces regularly conduct air and ground training. The Su-30SM2’s long-range, multi-functional capabilities and advanced sensors enable operations across Belarus’ airspace and beyond, supporting both national and allied missions.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus. Telegram @modmilby. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
