Air Force and Air Defence Forces of the Republic of Belarus

The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces are structured as a single, integrated branch of the armed forces, a legacy of a 2001 reorganization aimed at streamlining command and control. Operationally, the force is organized into two primary commands: the Western and North-Western Operational-Tactical Commands. This structure is designed for the territorial defense of Belarusian airspace and to support ground forces. The strategic doctrine of Belarus is officially defensive, but this has been deeply integrated with Russian military planning. A new Union State military doctrine, adopted in November 2021, states that any action against Belarus will be considered an attack on the Union State, warranting a joint response. This framework effectively subordinates the Belarusian military to Russian operational control in a conflict, treating Belarus as a part of Russia's western military space.

The operational capabilities of the air force have been shaped by this close alliance. While it has limited independent power projection ability, it serves as a forward-deployed component of a joint air defense system with Russia. Frequent and extensive joint exercises are a cornerstone of its operational activity, enhancing interoperability with Russian forces. These drills have recently included practicing the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons, with some Belarusian aircraft reportedly modified to carry them under Russian command. Belarusian territory and airfields were used as a staging ground for Russian forces during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus has been gradually replacing its aging, Soviet-era fleet. Recent acquisitions include Su-30SM multirole fighters, Yak-130 advanced trainers, and Mi-35M attack helicopters. These new platforms enhance capabilities but also deepen the reliance on Russia for training, maintenance, and logistical support. On the ground, the integrated air defense component has been bolstered with the acquisition of Russian S-400 systems, complementing a layered network of older Soviet systems. Plans to acquire other systems, such as the Iskander ballistic missile, underscore the force's role within a broader Russian military posture aimed at countering NATO's eastern flank.