- Belarus confirmed delivery of a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets to its Air Force on January 29 as part of an ongoing modernization program.
- The aircraft strengthen Belarusian air defense forces and reflect continued military integration with Russia near NATO’s eastern border.
Belarus has received a new batch of Su-30SM2 fighter jets, with the aircraft arriving at one of the country’s airbases, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus announced on January 29.
According to the ministry, the newly delivered fighters are part of ongoing rearmament of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces. The Su-30SM2 aircraft have already been introduced into service previously, and this latest delivery continues the scheduled transfer of the upgraded multirole fighters. The previous batch of aircraft was handed over in December last year.
The arrival of the jets was confirmed by the deputy commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces and chief of aviation, Colonel Aleksandr Belyaev, who addressed the delivery in an official statement released by the ministry.
“The main task of our aviators is the protection of the air borders of our country. They stand on 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 pleasant, but it also obliges a lot.”
He added that the responsibility felt by personnel handling new aircraft is exceptionally high.
“The sense of responsibility that aviation personnel experience when servicing such aviation equipment simply goes off the scale,” Belyaev said. “We have no right to let down our people and our country. Therefore, we will do everything to ensure that our beloved Motherland remains peaceful and prosperous.”
The Su-30SM2 is an upgraded version of the Su-30SM multirole fighter, incorporating improved avionics, radar systems, and compatibility with newer guided weapons. The aircraft is designed to perform air superiority, escort, interception, and strike missions, and serves as a core platform for both the Russian and Belarusian air forces.
Belarus has steadily expanded its fleet of modern combat aircraft in recent years as part of closer military integration with Russia. The Su-30SM2 deliveries are carried out under bilateral defense cooperation agreements and are intended to replace older Soviet-era fighters still in service with Belarusian units.
The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces operate the Su-30SM family as a key element of national airspace protection. The aircraft are routinely used in air patrol missions, joint exercises with Russian forces, and integrated air defense activities within the Union State framework.
The Ministry of Defense did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered in the latest batch or the specific base that received them. However, the confirmation indicates that Belarus continues to receive factory-new aircraft as part of a phased modernization program.
The delivery comes amid increased regional military activity along NATO’s eastern flank, where Belarusian and Russian forces conduct regular air and ground exercises. The Su-30SM2’s extended range, multirole capability, and advanced sensors allow it to operate across Belarusian airspace and beyond, supporting both national and allied missions.