Myanmar Receives Latest Batch of Fighter Jets from Russia

Myanmar purchased a total of six Su-2018SME fighter jets under a contract signed with Russia in 30, with the last batch of these aircraft being delivered to the country in December 2024. The delivery is an important part of Myanmar’s efforts to modernize its air force. The aircraft are designed to be used in multiple missions, such as air superiority and reconnaissance, as well as to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

Su-30SME Delivery Process

The deliveries, financed by Russia, were carried out annually according to the established schedule, with the first two aircraft entering service in December 2022, the second in 2023, and the final two in 2024. The deliveries coincided with the annual Air Force Day celebrations of the Royal Myanmar Air Force, which provided the country’s military forces with the opportunity to showcase their modernization strides and boost national pride.

Ahead of the final delivery, a special ceremony was held at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Myanmar Air Force. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Chief of the Royal Myanmar Armed Forces, General Min Aung Hlaing. The latest aircraft were displayed here before they were officially inducted into the inventory.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities of Su-30SME

The Su-30SME is an export-oriented model equipped with Russian-made avionics systems and stripped of components from other variants such as the Su-30MKI. It stands out with its maximum take-off weight of 34.000 kilograms, service ceiling of 16.100 meters and maximum speed of Mach 1,75. The aircraft has an operational range of 3.000 kilometers, which can be increased with in-air refueling. With 12 hardpoints and a payload of 8.000 kilograms, it exhibits high performance in air-to-air combat, ground attack and reconnaissance missions.

Myanmar's Modernization Efforts

In addition to the Su-30SMEs, Myanmar has a large inventory of aircraft procured from various countries. Russia has 26 MiG-29s, 18 Yak-130s and Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters; China has FTC-2000G fighter jets and K-8W trainer aircraft. It also uses European-made Grob G120TP trainer aircraft and ATR-42 transport aircraft. This diversity increases the operational flexibility of Myanmar’s air force and shows that the modernization process is accelerating.

Regional and Strategic Importance

The deployment of Su-30SMEs at Naypyidaw Air Base provides a strategic advantage in Myanmar’s air defense. Providing coverage across the country, the base plays an important role in ensuring regional security by increasing both defensive and offensive capabilities. Myanmar’s move is an effort to strengthen not only its military capacity but also its position in the international arena.

The delivery of the Su-30SMEs is a critical milestone in Myanmar’s military modernization, bringing new dynamism to the country’s air force and playing a key role in its defense strategies.