Belarus has received a new batch of Su-30SM2 multirole fighters, with the aircraft arriving at one of the country’s air bases, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus reported on January 29.
According to the ministry, the new jets are part of the ongoing process of re-equipping the Belarusian Air Force and Anti-Air Defense Forces. The Su-30SM2 had already been incorporated into service previously, and this delivery continues the transfer schedule of modernized fighters. The previous batch was delivered in December last year.
The arrival of the aircraft was confirmed by the deputy commander of the Air and Anti-Air Defense Forces and head of aviation, Colonel Aleksandr Belyaev, in an official statement released by the ministry.
“The main duty of our airmen is the protection of the country’s air borders. They are the first line of defense,” Belyaev said. “The arrival of new aviation equipment is always a celebration for aviators. Flying a fighter that has just left the factory is honorable and enjoyable, but it also brings great responsibility.”
The official added that the level of responsibility among professionals responsible for the operation and maintenance of new aircraft is extremely high. “The sense of responsibility that aviation personnel feel when working with this type of equipment simply surpasses all limits. We have no right to disappoint our people and our country. We will do everything to ensure that our beloved homeland remains peaceful and prosperous,” he declared.
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM, incorporating advances in avionics, radar systems and compatibility with newer guided weapons. The fighter is designed for air superiority, escort, interception and attack missions, being a central platform for both the Russian and Belarusian air forces.
In recent years, Belarus has been consistently expanding its fleet of modern combat aircraft as part of closer military integration with Russia. Deliveries of the Su-30SM2 take place within the scope of bilateral defense cooperation agreements and are intended to replace fighters of Soviet origin still in operation in Belarusian units.
The Belarusian Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defense Forces use the Su-30SM family as one of the pillars of national airspace protection. The aircraft are routinely employed in air patrol missions, joint exercises with Russian forces and integrated air defense activities in the context of the State of the Union.
The Ministry of Defense did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered in this batch nor the specific base that received them. Even so, the confirmation indicates that Belarus continues to receive new aircraft from the factory as part of a phased modernization program.
The handover comes amid increased regional military activity along NATO’s eastern flank, where Belarusian and Russian forces regularly conduct air and ground exercises. The Su-30SM2’s extended range, multi-role capability and advanced sensors enable operations throughout Belarusian airspace and beyond, supporting both national and allied missions.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus. Telegram @modmilby. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
