Myanmar receives first Su-30SME fighters from Russia
This is an Su-30SME in Russian markings, the same kind of aircraft that Myanmar has begun receiving. (Rosoboronexport)
New Su-30SME fighters from Russia began trickling into Myanmar earlier this year.
The Myanmar Air Force received its first pair of twin-engine Su-30SME fighters from Russia in March this year, according to local press reports.
These Su-30SME fighters had been ordered from Moscow in January 2018 during a visit by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu. These fighters now constitute the air force’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The new aircraft are based at Naypyidaw Air Base, where Russian pilots and technicians have also been spotted. These personnel stationed in Naypyidaw and Mandalay provide technical assistance throughout the aircraft’s warranty period.
Naypyidaw is situated in central Myanmar, meaning that the new aircraft can quickly
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
-
![Could the next UAS market boom take place beyond the battlefield?]()
Could the next UAS market boom take place beyond the battlefield?
While the headlines remain dominated by the use of drones for combat operations in Ukraine and other conflicts, there are emerging use cases where the technology could usefully feed back into areas and missions outside the war zone.
-
![USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC]()
USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC
The Grey Wolf has entered operational service nearly three years later than originally planned, while new sustainment contracts indicate that some UH-1Ns could remain supported until 2031.
-
![Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training]()
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
