Myanmar commissions potpourri of aircraft types
Myanmar’s military ruler examines a Chinese-built K-8W trainer jet. (MNA)
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
-
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
-
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.