Imagery reveals new construction at Myanmar dockyard
Significant and rapid construction of major naval vessels is apparent at Myanmar’s naval dockyard.
Newly released commercial satellite imagery dated 30 December 2020 reveals that the Myanmar Navy has started constructing two new ships at its Naval Dockyard Headquarters near Thanlyin.
Imagery shows two hulls taking shape at this facility, in addition to the second 81m Inlay-class OPV under construction since 2017. Other vessels in the image are those undergoing refits, including the extant 81m OPV UMS Inlay.
What is remarkable is the rapid pace of construction of these new hulls. For example, one hull progressed from three incomplete hull sections in late March 2020 to a hull measuring almost 100m long and with a 15m beam within nine months.
Given what little is known of Myanmar’s planned naval programmes, this hull is most likely a 135m frigate.
Publicly revealed by the Myanmar Navy in December 2017, this programme is believed to entail the construction of two or three hulls much like the existing 108m King Aung Zeya-class and Kyan Sittha-class frigates.
Another hull section measuring 89m by 13.34m is also under construction, although it is too early to determine what type of vessel this might be.
The size of the approximately 140m-wide, 5,000t shiplift at this dockyard is a limiting factor for the size of ships that can be constructed.
To mitigate this, China’s CAMC Engineering, which built the existing facilities and shiplift between 1998 and early 2002, is building a 40,000t-capacity dry dock as part of a phased expansion of the naval dockyard. Completion of this project is slated for 2025.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
-
![All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids]()
All eyes on Royal Navy’s Type 93 market engagement as industry prepares bids
Responses are due by 29 October as the Royal Navy tests the market, with BAE Systems’ Herne and MSubs’ Excalibur setting up a contest where payloads may decide the winner.
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
