Russia is assembling the latest Su-30SM2 fighters for Belarus

The Irkutsk Aviation Plant demonstrated the production of the latest Su-30SM2 fighters for the Belarusian Air Force.

Here's What We Know

The aircraft production process was demonstrated to the so-called President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who arrived at the aircraft plant on 5 June 2024. There was also a sign with the Belarusian flag and the name of the aircraft next to one of the planes.

The Su-30SM2 fighter is an upgraded version of the Su-30SM, which received a powerful Irbis radar, new AL-41F-1S engines and an expanded range of weapons. The weapon control system makes it possible to use the R-37M long-range aircraft missiles, which are also used by the Russian Su-30SM2.

According to Belaruski Gayun, the delivery of the new fighter jets to Belarus is currently delayed. The contract was signed back in 2017, and the country received the first batch two years later. By the way, the aircraft are based at the 61st fighter airbase in Baranovichi, and the country has ordered 12 Su-30SMs in total.

Russia has not delivered the second batch, although the Belarusian Ministry of Defence has repeatedly announced plans to receive the aircraft in five consecutive years. The last such statement was made in February 2024.

It is worth noting that there has been no official announcement of the country's order for SM2 aircraft. "Belaruski Gayun explains that Belarus can receive SU-30SM2 fighters no earlier than 2025-2026.

Source: "Belaruski Gayun