Su-30SM2: thrift in Belarusian
So, the Russian and Belarusian sides reported that the contract for the delivery of Su-30SM2 fighters to Belarus has been fulfilled. The last two aircraft landed on Belarusian soil, bringing the total number of Su-30SM2 fighters to 16.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Air Force deserve our utmost congratulations on this acquisition, as the Belarusian Su-30SM2s are truly a "brotherly gift," as no other country in the world can yet boast of possessing such aircraft.
Photo by Alexey Korshunov
Skeptics might immediately start puffing out their cheeks and saying something like, "What's the big deal? Just another modernization of an old aircraft?" Of course, if you look at the calendar, yes, that's true. However, if you look at the aircraft, the F-16, to use a non-Russian aircraft as an example, has been in service since 1978. And, of course, the F-16 Block 70/72 is fundamentally different from the F-16A. But surely no one would say that the F-16 Block 70/72 is a flying junk? On the contrary, they are being acquired today by countries that previously had no F-16s at all. And while Bulgaria and Slovakia might be considered "not very rich" countries, Peru and the Philippines are anything but poor.
The situation with the Su-30SM2 is roughly the same. However, it's unlikely that our CSTO allies like Kazakhstan and Armenia will acquire THIS configuration. It's not their cup of tea, as they say.
The Su-30SM2 has been significantly redesigned compared to its predecessor. The key is maximum commonality with the Su-35S, which the author, due to his stubbornness, considers the best combat aircraft in the world today.
So, in terms of equipment (I would like to emphasize that this is what was officially announced), the Su-30SM2 has taken a very interesting path towards maximum unification with the Su-35.
Two main points:
1. Engines. The same AL-41F-1S with thrust vector control. And this is a significant step forward, because the thrust vector control (another addition is the Russian thrust vector control, which is strikingly different from the American version) provides, if not super-maneuverability, then maneuverability at a very high level.
Yes, in the West they're still guilty of back-and-forth movements in front of a "Stealth" sign, and there's a certain sense to that, but stealth is good until you're actually spotted. And once you're spotted, they'll notice, but beyond that, I'd prefer maneuverability to evade pursuit.
In this regard, the Su-30SM2, given its nearly identical weight to the Su-35S, becomes an interesting companion in the air. And for virtually any aircraft taking to the skies around the world.
2. Radar. It's not explicitly stated that ours installed it instead of the N011 Bars, but it's most likely the N035 Irbis, also from the Su-35. And it's very powerful. Yes, many on the other side criticize the Irbis for not being an AESA radar, but this issue has been debated for a long time. The main thing is that the Irbis is a very powerful radar and is in no way inferior in its capabilities to AESA radars. And its range is the envy of many.
3. Expanded weapons range. And here's where things get interesting.
In general, to understand the intentions of the Belarusian military, one must evaluate the Belarusian Air Force in general.
In fact, there is not much to evaluate: a fairly balanced Air Force, “focused” on defense, that is, the majority of aircraft are MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.
MiG-29BM, an independent Belarusian modernization, has the ability to refuel in the air, applications missiles air-to-air missiles R-27ER/ET, RVV-AE, air-to-ground missiles Kh-29T/TD/L and Kh-25ML, anti-ship missiles Kh-31A/P, guided aviation KAB-500Kr/L laser-guided bombs. In other words, a pretty decent strike aircraft, if you ignore the aircraft's obvious obsolescence and numerous shortcomings.
Photo: Sergey Burdin
But given Belarus's decidedly non-aggressive policy, this is sufficient to resolve most of its problems. Although, of course, there are plenty of aircraft in the world that the MiG-29 would be better off avoiding.
The Su-27/Su-27BM are in storage and are more than conditionally fit for combat use. All Belarusian Su-25s are in roughly the same condition.
And so here we have 16 brand-new Su-30SM2s, capable of using the entire range of Russian weapons. This is a completely different setup than what the upgraded MiG-29BMs were armed with. This is the major league versus the factory team. They feature "toys" that the Belarusian MiGs, like the R-73M, never even dreamed of.
But, as some sources say, the Belarusian military has a particular interest. And it's not even the R-37M, although, of course, if they ask, they'll certainly get that beauty.
The Belarusian military is particularly interested in the UMPK module. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense is considering adapting the Su-30SM2 to carry bombs with glide and correction modules.
The idea is certainly interesting. For a decidedly poor country like Belarus, it's quite feasible: the weapon (a bomb from the Great Patriotic War) is very inexpensive, the accuracy is excellent, the range is decent, and it allows for the delivery of 250-500 kg bombs without entering the effective zone. Defense enemy - what more could you want?
It's clear that the Belarusian military has had a lot to learn from their Russian counterparts over the past four years. Perhaps even more than enough, but more than enough to draw the necessary conclusions. For the Belarusian Air Force, it's just right—cheap and cheerful. And they probably have enough bombs like that in storage for two more wars.
But a fair question arises: why the Su-30SM2? What's the point of this aviation perversion?
The point, of course, is money. The fact is, the Belarusian Air Force doesn't have bombers. They used to have them, but the last Su-24BMs were decommissioned and withdrawn from service back in 2012.
It would seem, what's the problem? Buy a Su-34 and you'll be happy?
But everything is not as rosy as we would like.
First, let's understand that the Su-34 is somewhat more advanced than the Su-27 than the Su-30 and Su-35. It's a completely different aircraft in every way: size, layout, components, and operational style. After all, the Su-34 is more of a bomber than a fighter. Although, of course, it can smash any Western aircraft in the face, although it won't be easy.
But the main thing is: it requires a repair base with trained personnel, pilots need to be retrained, and it's more expensive than the Su-30. Yes, it has one and a half tons of armor. Yes, it has an auxiliary power unit. But apparently, the Belarusian military decided to save a little (actually, a lot), because, essentially, the Belarusians simply don't have the resources for such an aircraft yet. A lot of training is needed, and the personnel are likely already lacking. The pilots who left with the Su-24 15 years ago are completely unfit for combat.
But training new ones is a difficult task.
So the Su-30SM2 seems like a reasonable compromise. It's not a "pure" fighter, which is why many countries buy it. The two-seat cockpit is very convenient for complex strike missions; the navigator/operator can easily guide the UMPK system to the target without distracting the pilot, just like on the Su-34.
Well, in general, the Su-30 is for those who don’t have money for the Su-34.
It's clear that an aircraft originally designed as a fighter doesn't have the same effectiveness with the UMPK as a dedicated bomber. But given the lack of standard bombers in the Belarusian Air Force, this solution seems quite feasible and pragmatic.
Moreover, we're not talking about sweeping attacks, but rather targeted use from safe distances. It's difficult to imagine who Belarus might face in a fight, but the main task of the Belarusian Armed Forces is to hold out for the time it takes for the troops of the allied state to arrive.
So, essentially, these 16 aircraft are nothing more than a new shield and sword, just in case or for some local trouble. But the choice is correct and interesting.
If the Belarusian wish list is actually realized, this could play very positively into Russia's hands when selling the Su-30SME to foreign buyers.
"Look, he can also destroy an enemy oil base with a $500 guided bomb!"
The Su-30 is a thoroughly relevant aircraft today, and it will remain in demand on the global market for a long time to come. Its destiny is destined to be no shorter than that of the MiG-29, which is still in service with more than 20 countries.
So, Belarusians can be congratulated on a good purchase, and if they also contribute something of their own, it will only be a plus.
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