Russia Deploying More Su-27s to Belarus due to Tensions With West

Russia is to permanently deploy an additional eight Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker' fighters to Belarus, as relations with the West remain tense, state media announced in mid-December.

The eight Su-27s will join the four already based at Baranovichi Air Base, near the Belarus borders with Lithuania and Poland, the TASS news agency reported.

Russia deployed its first Su-27 fighters to Baranovichi Air Base in late 2013, and had deployed six Su-27 fighters, as well as transport and airborne early warning and control aircraft, to this location in the immediate aftermath of the annexation of Crimea in March. It had, however, since reduced the number of 'Flankers' permanently stationed there to four.

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Chinese Su-27s Buzz Japanese Warplanes Again

Japan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 11 June said that two Chinese Su-27 'Flanker' fighter aircraft had flown very close to Japan Self-Defense Forces aircraft over the East China Sea for the second time in less than a month.

According to MoD officials, a People's Liberation Army Air Force Su-27 flew to within 30 m of a Japan Air Self-Defense Force YS-11EB electronic intelligence aircraft at around 11.00 am-12.00 pm local time on 11 June.

At around the same time, another Su-27 fighter flew to within 45 m of a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kawasaki OP-3C reconnaissance aircraft. Neither of the Japanese aircraft suffered any damage.

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