The implementation of the contract to deliver Russian Su-30SM fighter jets to Belarus may begin one year later in 2019 after Russia gets rid of dependence on imported and blacklisted components, Belarussian Defense Minister Andrey Ravkov said on February 14, 2018.

A RusAF Su-30SM fighter jet
(Credit UAC)

"So far the Russian Federation is unable to supply the aircraft to us because of problems with deliveries of spare parts which are under sanctions. A fully Russian aircraft is being localized and they promised to begin implementing the contract in 2019," he said.

"We determined the procurement schedule and will buy four aircraft a year. Su-30 will enhance the capabilities to protect troops and facilities from air attacks and will also renew the air fleet," he added.

Last year the Belarussian Defense Ministry signed a contract with Irkut Corporation on the purchase of 12 Su-30SM in 2018-2020. Belarus had to annually receive four aircraft. The ministry later said the contract was delayed for a year because of technical problems with aircraft components.

The multirole Su-30SM (serial, modernized) (Flanker-H by NATO classification) is designed to win supremacy in the air and for strikes at ground and surface targets. The aircraft has front horizontal fin and steerable thrusters. They make the aircraft super maneuverable. Su-30SM carries multifunctional Bars radar. It has a broad range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles and high-precision air-to-surface armaments. Su-30SM can be used to train pilots for perspective one-seater fighters. The aircraft has been built since 2012.