Belarus receives third Su-30SM2 fighter jet delivery from Russia

Throughout 2025, Russia has continued to deepen its relationship with Belarus, its closest and most significant ally in Europe. This has been reflected in several deliveries and transfers of military equipment for the Belarusian Armed Forces, with the Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighter jets representing the most notable case. This is confirmed by the third and latest delivery so far of aircraft built at the Irkutsk manufacturing plant, part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

Russia’s military equipment deliveries to Belarus

In recent months, Moscow has promoted the renewal of selected Belarusian military capabilities through a range of agreements with Minsk. Looking back at developments during the year now drawing to a close, these have included deliveries of Mil Mi-35M attack helicopters and Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile systems, the latter received by Belarus at the end of November.

The most significant area, however, remains the modernisation of the Belarusian Air Force’s combat aviation, which urgently required the introduction of advanced platforms. Much of its aircraft inventory dates from the Soviet era, as illustrated by its MiG-29BM and MiG-29S fighters, along with Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft.

Belarusian Air Force modernisation with Su-30SM2 fighters

Under its agreements with Moscow, Minsk began upgrading part of its combat aviation fleet by first acquiring Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced trainers. These Russian aircraft are intended both for pilot instruction and training, and for attack missions.

After the training programme for new pilots had progressed on these trainers, Russia began supplying the initial batches of Su-30SM combat aircraft, which were received several years ago. During 2025, this was followed by the introduction of the more advanced Su-30SM2 fighter jets.

Although no further official details were provided, Su-30SM2 deliveries were recorded in May and August this year. Based on existing projections, this would indicate that the Belarusian Air Force already operates a combined fleet of up to twelve (12) Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 aircraft.

On 26 December, however, a further batch of Su-30SM2 aircraft arrived in the country, as reported by the European country’s Ministry of Defence. The ministry issued a brief statement which nevertheless provided an indication of future aircraft deliveries, stating: “these aircraft will undergo the technical training process at the air base and, within no more than two weeks, will take up the mission of protecting the airspace of our beloved Homeland”. It then added: “This is not the final batch: new equipment will continue to arrive in the future, and the defensive capability of our air borders will continue to increase”.

Further Su-30SM2 deliveries expected

It can therefore be assumed that the current agreements with Russia for the acquisition of new combat aircraft include the delivery of additional Su-30SM2 fighters. The Belarusian fleet is expected to expand over the coming months, a process that could also extend to other platforms already in service with the Belarusian Armed Forces.

Photographs: Belarusian Ministry of Defence.