The Strength of Belarus Air Force

The Air Force of the Republic of Belarus was founded on 15 June 1992 (31 years ago), after the collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991.

The Belarus Air Force was formed from the 26th Air Force of the Soviet Union Air Force which served in the Byelorussian (Belarus) SSR.

At that time, the fighter/attack aircraft operated by the 26th Air Force were MiG-23, MiG-25 and Su-22.

Subsequently, in 2001, the Air Force and Air Defense Forces were merged into the Air Force and Air Defense Armed Forces of Belarus.

As Russia's closest friend, the Air Force and Air Defense Armed Forces of Belarus are strengthened by weapons obtained from Russia which is the successor to the Soviet Union.

Currently, there are 34 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 frontline fighter jets, 13 of which have been upgraded to MiG-29BM.

Next up is the 12 multi-role heavyweight Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. For attack aircraft/CAS available 67 Sukhoi Su-25.

In addition, Belarus also acquired 11 units of Yakovlev Yak-130 modern combat trainer jets from Russia. And still operates 10 units of Aero L-39 Soviet-era trainer jets.

As for its transport aircraft fleet, Belarus operates two Antonov An-26 medium transport aircraft and two Ilyushin Il-76 heavy transport aircraft.