Belarus modernizes air force with new russian Su-30SM jets

In June 2017, Belarus made a significant move by ordering new fighter jets for the first time since the Soviet era, signing a $600 million deal to buy 12 Su-30SM aircraft from Russia.

By August 2019, the first four jets were delivered, with the remaining eight expected by the end of 2024. Delivery delays often occurred due to Belarus postponing payments, largely because the increased Russian security presence made expensive upgrades less urgent, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Russia has bolstered Belarusian security by deploying Su-30SM and Su-35 fighters, S-400 air defense systems, and MiG-31K/I strike fighters to Belarusian airfields. Meanwhile, Belarus focuses on acquiring more affordable assets like the S-400 air defense systems and Iskander ballistic missiles, including access to Russian nuclear warheads for the Iskanders.

Belarus is committed to acquiring at least 12 Su-30SMs, potentially expanding to 24 units. This decision reflects Minsk’s current geopolitical stance. Following the Soviet Union's collapse, the Belarusian Air Force significantly reduced its size, retiring powerful MiG-25PD/PDS interceptors, MiG-25BM jets, Su-27 air superiority fighters, and Su-24M fighters, the latter being sold to Sudan. Upgraded MiG-23MLDs were sent to Syria in the 2000s, leaving the aging MiG-29s as Belarus’s sole fighters. The need for replacements became critical due to the MiG-29s’ age and minimal upgrades.

Despite considerations for the upgraded MiG-29M or MiG-35 fighters, which are cheaper to operate and perform better than older MiG-29s, Belarus chose the Su-30SM. This choice aligns with the Russian Air Force’s use of the Su-30SM and Su-34 strike fighters. Russia has encouraged former Soviet states to buy the Su-30SM on favorable terms, with Kazakhstan and Armenia also purchasing these jets.

The Su-30SM is valued for its versatility and affordability compared to the Su-35 air superiority fighter. It often outperforms other '4+ generation' aircraft, such as the French Rafale, in range, radar size, and maneuverability, surpassing many Western fighters.

The collapse of the Soviet Union delayed plans for fifth-generation fighters, like the MiG 1.42 program. Russia’s first fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57, is expected to be operational in 2024, though less ambitious than earlier plans. Meanwhile, Russia and its export clients rely on upgraded fourth-generation fighters like the Su-30SM, which remain competitive against European fighters but have drawbacks against fifth-generation fighters from China and the U.S.

Belarus retired older models like the MiG-25, Su-24M, and Su-27 after the USSR’s collapse, shifting to the more affordable MiG-29 and reducing their focus on fighter aviation. The Su-30SM is superior to regional aircraft, but this advantage might diminish as F-35s become more common in Eastern Europe.

The Su-30SM, made by the Russian company Sukhoi, is an upgraded version of the Su-30 family, built for air combat, ground attacks, and striking ships. The 'SM' stands for 'Serial Modernized,' indicating its advancements over older models. It is about 21.9 meters long, has a wingspan of 14.7 meters, and is 6.4 meters tall, with a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kilograms. It features a strong but lightweight frame, an advanced design for smooth flying, and thrust-vectoring nozzles for exceptional maneuverability.

The Su-30SM’s propulsion system includes two AL-31FP afterburning turbofan engines, each generating roughly 27,500 pounds of thrust, enabling speeds up to Mach 2 at high altitudes. Its advanced avionics suite, including the N011M Bars-R radar, allows it to track and target multiple objects simultaneously. The aircraft also has an electronic warfare system for enhanced defense in hostile environments.

Equipped with advanced navigation and targeting systems, a digital flight control system, and a modern cockpit with real-time data displays, the Su-30SM is capable of handling various missions. Its arsenal includes air-to-air missiles like the R-77 and R-73, air-to-ground missiles such as the Kh-29 and Kh-31, guided bombs, unguided rockets, and a 30mm cannon for close combat. With a range of about 3,000 kilometers without refueling and in-air refueling capability, the Su-30SM can undertake long missions far from its home base.