Belarus To Replace MiG-29 Jets With Su-30 Fighters After 2020

The Belarusian Defense Ministry is eyeing to replace its MiG-29 fighter jets with Su-30SM aircraft after 2020.

“Naturally the existing aviation fleet, particularly fighter jets MiG-29, is getting out-dated. It is time to decide on replacing these aircraft. We are considering buying Su-30SM aircraft from Irkut Corporation. It may be done after 2020.” said Major-General Oleg Dvigalev, Chief of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense on 20 October.

The Su-30SM jet fighter stems from the Su-37UB model. They are now used by the Russian Air Force and the Russian Navy. These aircraft can carry guided missiles, dumb bombs and other kinds of weapons. The crew comprises two people.

The aircraft can fly as far as 3,000km, with the combat radius of 1,500km. The aircraft can stay in the air without refueling for 3.5 hours.

The Belarusian air force had signed the contract to buy 12 Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters. Among them, six helicopters will be delivered in 2016 and another six will be delivered in 2017, Belarusian Telegraph Agency reported today.

Meanwhile, the Belarusian army continues repairing and modernizing the available hardware. The multipurpose helicopter Mi-8MTV-5 represents a modernized variant of the Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter. The new vehicle can airlift army units at any time of the day and night while providing aerial cover.

The helicopter can mount 23mm cannons or can carry up to two tonnes of bombs. The cruising speed is 230kmph, with the flying range of 590km. The helicopter can carry up to four tonnes of cargo in the cabin and up to five tonnes as external load out.