Belarus hopes to receive a new batch of Russian Mi-35M helicopters and Su-30SM fighter jets at the beginning of the next year, commander of Belarus’ air and air defense forces, Andrey Lukyanovich, said.

"We received another batch of Mi-35M helicopters this spring. We plan to receive two batches of aircraft early next year, including Mi-35M helicopters and a squadron of Su-30SM planes," he said in an interview with the STV television channel.

He also said that Belarus is modernizing Su-25 planes. "We are also equipping our aircraft with onboard defense systems," he added.