Minsk, May 29 - To boost its military capabilities, the Belarusian Air Force has recently received a new batch of Russian-made Su-30SM2 multi-role fighter jets, marking a continuation of the deepening defense ties between Belarus and Russia. This delivery, which took place in late May 2025, is part of a long-standing agreement signed in 2017 between the Belarusian Ministry of Defense and Russia’s Irkut Corporation. The contract initially outlined the supply of advanced fighter jets to modernize Belarus’s aging air fleet, and this latest batch is the third under that agreement, following earlier deliveries in 2019 and subsequent years. While the exact number of aircraft delivered in this batch remains undisclosed by both Belarusian and Russian authorities, the addition of these sophisticated jets is expected to significantly enhance Belarus’s air defense and combat capabilities.
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The Su-30SM2 is an upgraded variant of the Su-30SM, incorporating advanced avionics, improved AL-41F-1S engines derived from the Su-35, and enhanced weapon systems. These upgrades enable the aircraft to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2 and a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometers, making it a versatile platform for both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. Capable of carrying a wide range of munitions, including precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles, the Su-30SM2 provides Belarus with a formidable tool for projecting air power and conducting joint operations with Russia. The jets are designed to monitor regional airspace, particularly along Belarus’s borders with NATO member states like Poland and the Baltic countries, while also addressing both defensive and offensive operational needs.
Major General Andrei Lukyanovich, commander of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces, announced that the newly delivered aircraft will soon be placed on combat duty following technical inspections. Belarusian pilots, who have undergone specialized retraining at a Russian training center, are prepared to operate these advanced jets, ensuring a rapid integration into active service. Lukyanovich also revealed plans for additional deliveries of Su-30SM2 aircraft and Mi-35M helicopters later in 2025, signaling Belarus’s commitment to further modernizing its air force. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the military alliance within the framework of the Russia-Belarus Union State, which emphasizes joint defense initiatives.
The acquisition of these jets reflects Belarus’s strategic alignment with Russia amid heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of NATO’s increased presence in Eastern Europe. The Su-30SM2’s advanced capabilities allow Belarus to bolster its air defense network and maintain a credible deterrent against potential threats. While the first batch of four jets was publicly confirmed in 2019, the total number of Su-30SM2s now in Belarusian service is believed to be higher, though exact figures remain classified. This delivery underscores the ongoing military-technical cooperation between Minsk and Moscow, positioning Belarus as a key player in the regional security landscape.