As part of the ongoing military cooperation agreements between both countries, Russia continues to advance in the provision of military equipment to Belarus, its closest ally in Eastern Europe. This was evidenced by the recent delivery of a new batch of Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighters to equip the Belarusian Air Force.
Given the age of its combat aircraft fleet, which was mainly composed of MiG-29BM and MiG-29S fighters, as well as Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft, Belarus reached several agreements with Russia to purchase a total of twelve (12) Sukhoi Su-30SM/SM2 fighters.
By the end of last year, and according to estimates made by Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Russia had completed the delivery of a total of eight (8) Su-30SM aircraft, which were already operating with the Belarusian Air Force. In this regard, it should be noted that the acquisition of this Flanker variant was complemented by the provision of Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced trainer aircraft, essential for the modernization of training and education capabilities for current and future Belarusian combat pilots.
At the same time, those sources estimate that some of these Su-30SM fighters may have been transferred from the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), although no official confirmation has been provided on the matter.
Regarding the new Su-30SM2, one of the most advanced variants of the Flanker family and incorporating upgrades and systems present in the modern Su-35S, the Irkutsk aircraft manufacturing plant completed the delivery of the first two units last May.
Now, as officially reported by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense, on August 14 two more units arrived in the country to be officially inducted into service. Although no further details were provided, with their arrival Russia would have completed the delivery of a total of twelve (12) Su-30SM/SM2 fighters.
Finally, it should be noted that cooperation between Russia and Belarus this year has not been limited to the provision of new fighter aircraft, but also extended to other attack platforms. This was demonstrated by the delivery, at the end of May, of a batch of Mil Mi-35 attack and transport helicopters.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Belarus.
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