MINSK, August 22 (RIA Novosti) - Belarus will start purchasing new combat aircraft after 2010, a senior Air Force officer said Monday.

Major-General Mikhail Levitsky, the deputy commander of the Air Force and Air Defense, told journalists: "Modern aircraft have a service life of 25-30 years. After 2010, we shall start purchasing new warplanes. We are currently thinking about purchasing Russian-made aircraft and helicopters that can be modernized."

Levitsky said it would be practical for Belarus to fly multi-functional Su-30 (Flanker) fighters.

"This is a reliable plane capable of providing air support and delivering strikes against various targets and troops and transport facilities deep in the enemy's defenses," the general said. "It is two to three times more efficient in terms of combat power and combat use compared with Su-24M (NATO reporting name Fencer-D) and Su-25 (Frogfoot) planes."

"The Belarusian Air Force will operate Russian-made Il-76 (Candid) medium-range military transport aircraft until 2015," Levitsky added. "After that, Belarus will purchase new modified transport planes in line with its state rearmament program."

Belarus intends to purchase Il-76MF planes instead of Il-76MD military transport aircraft. The Il-76MF has an extended cargo hold and increased fuel efficiency. The aircraft is outfitted with a navigation system, which meets the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Levitsky said.

Belarus also intends to purchase An-74 (Coaler) military transport planes to replace An-26 (Curl) aircraft. The An-74 can carry five times more than the An-26.

The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense are also considering buying Russian-made Mi-28N (Havoc) multi-purpose attack helicopters.