Belarus’ armed forces have alleged that NATO air units have likely been practising strikes against their territory, as well as that of Russia, while carrying out demonstration flights in Eastern Europe. First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Belarusian Military, Major General Igor Korol, warned on May 16th regarding these operations: “Unfortunately, demonstration flights of NATO strategic bomber aircraft, particularly [those of] the United States, have become more frequent. This year, nine such flights were carried out over adjacent territory. And we can say with great probability that during these demonstration flights, among other things, options for striking both Belarus and Russia are being practised.” The country claims to have recorded over 30 flights of NATO reconnaissance aircraft per week. 

Belarus remains Russia’s only defence parter in Europe, with the partial exception of Serbia, and retains one of the most capable militaries on the continent. The country’s defence sector produces air defence systems such as the new BuK-MBK3 medium range mobile platform, and also specialises in upgrading Soviet era aircraft – a service it has provided widely to clients ranging from Bangladesh and Vietnam to Angola and Syria. Amid growing tensions with NATO, the country is reportedly planning to acquire Iskander hypersonic ballistic missiles from Russia, as well as further units of the S-400 long range air defence system. It already deploys multiple units of S-400 and S-300 systems for air defence, as well as two squadrons of enhanced MiG-29 fighters and a single squadron of newly delivered Russian Su-30SM heavyweight fighters. 

The Su-30SM is the heaviest aircraft built for air to air combat deployed by a European country, with more powerful engines and superior low speed manoeuvrability than any other fighter on the continent. While the MiG-29’s short range limits it to defensive roles, the Su-30SM has an operating range of 1,500 km and a flight endurance of 3.5 hours – or much longer if refuelling in the air – which allows it to operate offensively deep into NATO territory. The country’s military modernisation efforts have been impeded by the relatively small size of its economy – due largely to both a small population and a lack of natural resources – which have limited the funds available for procuring new hardware. The Su-30 purchase was the first major acquisition of foreign combat aircraft since the collapse of the Soviet Union, although it has been speculated that the country could consider acquiring MiG-35 fighters in future. 

Posted in Uncategorized