Myanmar commissions potpourri of aircraft types
Myanmar’s military ruler examines a Chinese-built K-8W trainer jet. (MNA)
Russia and China continue to support Myanmar with an array of military equipment, despite a military coup earlier this year.
The Myanmar Air Force marked its 74th anniversary on 15 December by formally inducting 17 aircraft in a ceremony at Mandalay-Meiktila Air Base.
The Tatmadaw commissioned six Yak-130 and six K-8W trainer jet/light fighters, a single ATR 72-600 medium transport aircraft, two Y-12 light transports and two AS365N2 Dauphin helicopters.
Maj Gen Soe Aung, commander of the Flying Training Base, declared the aircraft commissioned. The de facto national leader Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, was present at the ceremony.
On the same day, an MTX-1A basic trainer aircraft was flown in an aerial parade,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
