As we have already reported, the Belarusian Air Force has withdrwan from use its Su-27 Flanker fleet.
Nonetheless it still operates several MiG-29 Fulcrums. The news is that these aircraft are to be modernized by the 558 Aviation Works in Baranovichi.
The modernization programme has been already prepared and includes new weapons. Deputy chief engineer, Alexander Vorobiey said that the offer is directed mainly at the foreign clients, nontheless the Belarusian MoD is to place an order next year.
It is not the first time that Baranovichi works modernizes the Fulcrums, as four of them were upgraded to BM standard (Belarusian Modernized). The aircraft received capability to use modern weaponry, such as R-77 air-to-air missiles, Kh-29, Kh-25 air-to-ground missiles and Kh-31 anti-ship weapon. Laser guided bomb capability was also added with the use of a targeting pod.
What is more the MiGs are able to perform aerial refueling.
The planned upgrade is going to be based on MiG-29BM standard with additional glass cockpit avionics, new radar with ground scanning capability and a sat-nav system, based either on GLONASS or GPS.
The Belarusian Air Force is still in weak condition. The Russians are helping their neighbours by placing Su-27 aircraft in Lida, near the Poland’s Eastern border.
Jacek Siminski for TheAviationist
Image credit: Wikipedia
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