Su-30SM2. Photo: Belarus MOD
The Irkutsk Aviation Plant has revealed the production of Su-30SM2 fighters for the Belarusian Air Force. The manufacturing process was presented to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during his visit to the plant on June 5, 2024, as reported by Belaruski Hajun.
During the visit, Lukashenko was shown a Su-30SM2 aircraft, highlighted with a plaque displaying the Belarusian flag and the name of the plane.
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Photo: Twitter @Hajun_BY
The Su-30SM2 fighters represent a modernized version of the Su-30SM, equipped with a high-power Irbis radar, new AL-41F-1S engines, and an expanded range of armaments. The aircraft’s weapon control system allows the use of long-range R-37M air-to-air missiles, also used by Russian Su-30SM2s.
Belaruski Hajun reported that the delivery of the new fighters to Belarus is currently delayed. According to the contract signed in 2017, the country received the first batch of four aircraft in 2019, based at the 61st Fighter Air Base in Baranovichi. The total order amounted to 12 Su-30SM aircraft.
Despite repeated announcements by the Belarusian Ministry of Defense regarding the reception of new aircraft in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and February 2024, the transfer of the second batch has not yet occurred. Until now, there was no official information about the order of the SM2 version. Belaruski Hajun suggested that the country might receive the Su-30SM2 fighters between 2025 and 2026.
Previously, Militarnyi reported that the Ethiopian Air Force received the first batch of Russian Su-30 fighters. The aircraft, of unknown modification, received tail numbers “2401” and “2402.” It is possible that Ethiopia acquired former Indian Su-30K fighters, retired from service in 2005.
Source: Militarnyi. Photo: Twitter @Hajun_BY. Photo: Belarus MOD. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
