Alert: Belarus Strengthens Air Force with Delivery of Additional Russian Su-30SM2 Fighter Jets
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According to information published by BelTA on May 27, 2025, a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets produced by Russia has been delivered to the Belarusian Air Force. The delivery is part of a contract signed in 2017 between Belarus and the Russian state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), under which twelve Su-30SMs were to be provided. The Ministry did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered in this batch, but indications suggest the arrival of two units, based on the known production tempo and previous delivery patterns. This marks the third delivery under the agreement, following batches in 2019 and 2021.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM, itself derived from the Su-30MKI fighter jet originally developed for India. (Picture source: Belarus MoD)
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM multirole fighter, itself derived from the Su-30MKI originally developed for India. It incorporates several advanced systems from the Su-35 to enhance performance and reduce logistical burdens across the Russian fleet. Key improvements include the integration of AL-41F1S engines, which provide greater thrust, longer service life, and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous AL-31FPs. It is also fitted with the N035 Irbis-E radar, capable of detecting fighter-sized targets at ranges of up to 400 kilometers and simultaneously tracking up to 30 targets while engaging up to eight. The aircraft maintains a large airframe with a wingspan of 14.7 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kilograms, allowing it to carry up to 8,000 kilograms of ordnance across 12 hardpoints.
The Su-30SM2 supports a wide array of munitions, including air-to-air missiles like the R-77 and R-73, precision-guided air-to-surface weapons such as the Kh-59MK2 stealth cruise missile and KAB-250 bombs, and potentially hypersonic missiles like the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal. It features thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability, a digital fly-by-wire control system, and upgraded electronic warfare capabilities, including SAP-518 jamming pods. Its OSNOD data link system, shared with the Su-57, enables real-time battlefield networking and potential drone control. Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike roles, the Su-30SM2 provides Belarus and other operators with a flexible platform capable of executing long-range, high-precision missions in contested airspace.
Russia’s military relationship with Belarus has become increasingly pivotal, especially following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the growing NATO presence in Poland and the Baltic states. Belarus serves as a strategic ally and geographic buffer, enabling Russia to project power westward and apply pressure on NATO’s eastern flank. The two nations have intensified military integration through joint exercises, coordinated air defense systems, and the establishment of a unified regional military grouping. Notably, Belarus has permitted the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and advanced missile systems, such as the Iskander and the forthcoming Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles, on its territory. These developments enhance Russia’s strategic depth and reinforce its influence over Belarus, effectively making it a critical extension of Russian military infrastructure.
Russia has significantly bolstered Belarus’s air force through the delivery of Mi-35M attack helicopters, Su-30SM fighter jets, and Yak-130 light attack aircraft. In addition, Belarus has integrated Russian-made electronic warfare systems into its military infrastructure. These systems, including the Groza R-934UM2 ‘Groza-6’, increase capabilities in signal interception and jamming, providing a notable advantage in modern electronic warfare operations. Belarus has also received S-400 air defense systems and Iskander tactical ballistic missiles, which have substantially enhanced its strike and air defense capabilities. These deliveries have not only modernized Belarus’s armed forces but also facilitated deeper integration with Russia’s military infrastructure, enabling more coordinated joint operations and strategic alignment.
The acquisition of the Su-30SM2 marks a substantial improvement in Belarus’s aerial combat capabilities. These multirole fighters are equipped with advanced avionics, improved radar, and an expanded arsenal, enabling them to perform a wide range of missions across multiple domains. For Belarus, the Su-30SM2 fulfills several strategic roles: it replaces aging Soviet-era aircraft such as the MiG-29, many of which were upgraded to the MiG-29BM standard, reinforces national air defense, and enhances Belarus’s capacity for bilateral operations with Russia. Moreover, the deployment of these aircraft serves as a regional deterrent, underlining Belarus’s intent to maintain a modernized and interoperable force structure aligned with its principal security partner, Russia.
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According to information published by BelTA on May 27, 2025, a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets produced by Russia has been delivered to the Belarusian Air Force. The delivery is part of a contract signed in 2017 between Belarus and the Russian state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), under which twelve Su-30SMs were to be provided. The Ministry did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered in this batch, but indications suggest the arrival of two units, based on the known production tempo and previous delivery patterns. This marks the third delivery under the agreement, following batches in 2019 and 2021.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM, itself derived from the Su-30MKI fighter jet originally developed for India. (Picture source: Belarus MoD)
The Su-30SM2 is a modernized version of the Su-30SM multirole fighter, itself derived from the Su-30MKI originally developed for India. It incorporates several advanced systems from the Su-35 to enhance performance and reduce logistical burdens across the Russian fleet. Key improvements include the integration of AL-41F1S engines, which provide greater thrust, longer service life, and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous AL-31FPs. It is also fitted with the N035 Irbis-E radar, capable of detecting fighter-sized targets at ranges of up to 400 kilometers and simultaneously tracking up to 30 targets while engaging up to eight. The aircraft maintains a large airframe with a wingspan of 14.7 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kilograms, allowing it to carry up to 8,000 kilograms of ordnance across 12 hardpoints.
The Su-30SM2 supports a wide array of munitions, including air-to-air missiles like the R-77 and R-73, precision-guided air-to-surface weapons such as the Kh-59MK2 stealth cruise missile and KAB-250 bombs, and potentially hypersonic missiles like the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal. It features thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability, a digital fly-by-wire control system, and upgraded electronic warfare capabilities, including SAP-518 jamming pods. Its OSNOD data link system, shared with the Su-57, enables real-time battlefield networking and potential drone control. Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike roles, the Su-30SM2 provides Belarus and other operators with a flexible platform capable of executing long-range, high-precision missions in contested airspace.
Russia’s military relationship with Belarus has become increasingly pivotal, especially following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the growing NATO presence in Poland and the Baltic states. Belarus serves as a strategic ally and geographic buffer, enabling Russia to project power westward and apply pressure on NATO’s eastern flank. The two nations have intensified military integration through joint exercises, coordinated air defense systems, and the establishment of a unified regional military grouping. Notably, Belarus has permitted the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and advanced missile systems, such as the Iskander and the forthcoming Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missiles, on its territory. These developments enhance Russia’s strategic depth and reinforce its influence over Belarus, effectively making it a critical extension of Russian military infrastructure.
Russia has significantly bolstered Belarus’s air force through the delivery of Mi-35M attack helicopters, Su-30SM fighter jets, and Yak-130 light attack aircraft. In addition, Belarus has integrated Russian-made electronic warfare systems into its military infrastructure. These systems, including the Groza R-934UM2 ‘Groza-6’, increase capabilities in signal interception and jamming, providing a notable advantage in modern electronic warfare operations. Belarus has also received S-400 air defense systems and Iskander tactical ballistic missiles, which have substantially enhanced its strike and air defense capabilities. These deliveries have not only modernized Belarus’s armed forces but also facilitated deeper integration with Russia’s military infrastructure, enabling more coordinated joint operations and strategic alignment.
The acquisition of the Su-30SM2 marks a substantial improvement in Belarus’s aerial combat capabilities. These multirole fighters are equipped with advanced avionics, improved radar, and an expanded arsenal, enabling them to perform a wide range of missions across multiple domains. For Belarus, the Su-30SM2 fulfills several strategic roles: it replaces aging Soviet-era aircraft such as the MiG-29, many of which were upgraded to the MiG-29BM standard, reinforces national air defense, and enhances Belarus’s capacity for bilateral operations with Russia. Moreover, the deployment of these aircraft serves as a regional deterrent, underlining Belarus’s intent to maintain a modernized and interoperable force structure aligned with its principal security partner, Russia.
