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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
