Myanmar Signs Agreement For Six Russian Su-30 Warplanes

Russia will supply six Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to Myanmar under an agreement signed during Russia Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visit to the Republic, Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin said on Monday.

“The visit of the Russia Minister of Defence General of the Army Sergei Shoigu has given additional impetus to military and technical cooperation between Russia and Myanmar: the Republic is actively procuring the Russian armaments and military hardware, including the Su-30 fighter jets,” General Alexander Fomin said.

General Fomin expressed confidence that the Su-30 warplanes would become the main fighter jets of the Myanmar’s Air Force to protect territorial integrity and repel terrorist attacks.

Myanmar also expressed interest in buying other Russian military hardware for its land and naval forces, RIA news agency reported.

According to the deputy defense minister, Russian armaments proved their capability during their operation in Myanmar’s Armed Forces. "These are, in particular, the Mi-24, Mi-35 and Mi-17 helicopters, as well as the MiG-29 fighter aircraft, the Yak-130 combat-capable trainer aircraft, the Pechora-2 air defense system and other equipment," the lieutenant-general specified.

On January 20-22, Shoigu visited Myanmar on an official visit. An intergovernmental agreement on a streamlined entry for warships in Russia’s and Myanmar’s ports was signed during the visit, and talks with the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were held.