Belbek air base (Crimea) will take delivery of new multi-role Su-30SM fighters in 2015, RIA Novosti reports with reference to a source close to the Crimean authorities.

In late November 2014 14 Su-27SM and Su-30 fighters have been deployed at Belbek air base. The jets came on duty and are now protecting the airspace of Crimea. These are “4+”-generation fighters.

“Su-27SM based at Belbek air base will be replaced by Su-30SM fighters within a year. This refers to one squadron,” the source said.

According to him, the replacement of fighters in Belbek will be carried out on a rotational basis. “Su-27SM will be replaced with Su-30SM. Both aircraft are operated by Russian air forces; the fighters have proven their worth. The new fighters will expand the combat capabilities of air defense military units based in Crimea,” the source added.

He also said that all the pilots of Belbek air base have already passed retraining courses and are ready to pilot the new fighters.