Despite international sanctions and the fact that its industrial complex is focused on the war effort, Russia has completed the delivery of a new batch of Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighter-bombers to equip the Belarusian Air Force. The news emerged through the viral circulation of images showing an undisclosed number of aircraft delivered by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant to the Belarusian Ministry of Defense.
As of today, the Belarusian Air Force’s combat fleet consists of Russian/Soviet-origin aircraft, primarily MiG-29BM and MiG-29S fighters, as well as Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft.
Given the age of its fleet, Belarus moved forward years ago with specific acquisitions to modernize part of its inventory. This was reflected in the purchase of new Sukhoi Su-30SM2 aircraft from Russia, complemented by Yak-130 advanced trainers for the instruction and training of new pilots.
The delivery made in recent days—believed to include two or more units, according to the circulated images—would be part of this procurement, which reportedly involves the acquisition of 12 aircraft of this Flanker family variant.
Broadly speaking, the Su-30SM2 is an upgraded version of the twin-seat Su-30SM fighter-bomber, featuring new avionics and communication systems, along with other enhancements found in the Su-35S, the most advanced variant currently in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. Notable among these upgrades are the advanced Irbis-E PESA radar and AL-41F-1S engines.
Finally, this delivery of aircraft to one of Russia’s closest allies demonstrates that, despite sanctions and three years of conflict, the Russian industrial complex—led in this segment by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)—continues to fulfill contracts with foreign customers and allies.
In this regard, in addition to the recent delivery of Su-30SM2 fighters to Belarus, this past January Russia also completed the delivery of Su-30SME fighters to the Myanmar Air Force. Meanwhile, there have been several reports of potential sales and deliveries of combat aircraft to Algeria, including the Su-35S and, more recently, the Su-34.
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