Belarus is expanding its helicopter capability with continued support from Russia. According to a recent statement broadcast on STV, the commander of the 50th combined airbase outlined plans to add eight Mi-35 combat helicopters to the Belarusian fleet. The plan envisions a measured growth: four Mi-35s arriving by the end of the year, followed by four more in the next year, culminating in a complete Mi-35 fleet for the armed forces.
In mid August, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Belarusian pilots had begun flying the first batch of Mi-35 helicopters received from Russia. These aircraft entered service with the national army, marking a notable step in the modernization of air capabilities. The ministry also addressed allegations of border violations involving Polish Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters, stating that such claims are unfounded and aimed at providing a justification for heightened military readiness. The message emphasized that these assertions are part of a broader narrative employed to influence security postures in the region.
Concurrent with these developments, joint Russian-Belarusian air operations have included exercises in which helicopters conducted simulated search and recovery missions. The activities highlight ongoing collaboration and the integration of new platforms into the training regime. Earlier in the year, Russia announced the creation of a new drone suppression system, a development viewed as enhancing the ability to counter unmanned aerial threats in the region. The combination of upgraded rotorcraft and advanced counter-drone capabilities reflects a strategic effort to bolster both national defense and allied interoperability.
Together, these moves illustrate a programmatic push to modernize air power through a blend of imports, domestic training, and synchronized defense technology. By steadily increasing the Mi-35 inventory and expanding joint operational experience, Belarus aims to improve its tactical flexibility across various mission profiles, from close air support to reconnaissance tasks. The ongoing collaboration with Russia also signals a willingness to leverage external expertise to accelerate capability growth, while maintaining a careful approach to regional security dynamics. As the year progresses, observers will be watching how the new helicopters integrate with existing assets and how drone countermeasure systems evolve to address evolving aerial threats.