Belarus retains close procurement ties with Russia
Moves to acquire extra multi-role fighters and helicopters reflect continued reliance on Russian materiel.
The Belarusian MoD intends to buy four additional Su-30SM multi-role fighters and four Mi-35M attack helicopters from Russia in 2021, underlining the close defence procurement ties between the two countries.
Announcing these plans in December in an interview with state-run TV channel Belarus-1, Minister of Defence Viktor Khrenin added that Belarus will receive a shipment of BTR-82A APCs from Russia in 2021 to equip two mechanised infantry battalions. This followed a contract in August 2020.
In November 2019, the Belarusian Air Force took delivery of four Su-30SMs produced at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, in addition to four Yak-130 trainer/light attack
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