Myanmar Received Second-hand Kilo 877EKM Submaine from India

09 Desember 2019

Indian Navy INS Sindhuvir (photo : Indian Navy)

INS Sindhuvir, a Kilo class submarine (Project 877EKM), will be delivered to the Myanmar Navy for active service as the first submarine of national history.

INS Sindhuvir is a diesel-electric submarine Kilo class, 1 in 10 Russian built as required by the Indian Navy. Entered into service in 1988, upgraded to 08733 in 1999, displacement of 3.076 tons and able to install weapons systems as standard by the Russian Navy.

The procurement of second-hand submarines from the Indian government is based on the strategic planning of Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. Although the Chinese government had previously proposed an old submarine delivery project at the same time as the delivery of the 035G type submarine "Ming" for Bangladesh, but Myanmar does not consider this project. 

With the balance of the maritime strategy in the Bay of Bengal they therefore need a more powerful submarine in the fastest time possible. Therefore, negotiations with India have reached an agreement that has been approved by Russia which is like raising the level of military relations between the two nations which allows Myanmar to be able to procure more powerful submarines under the arms procurement exchange from India. The Myanmar submarine crew has completed their training in India and have taken the boat to Myanmar in the past few days.

The Myanmar Navy has not revealed the name of their submarine. But it is already clear to prepare to officially enter service on the establishment of the Myanmar Navy on 24 December, which will make Myanmar the 5th nation in ASEAN with submarines in service. It is expected that this is the first step to prepare for a submarine training,  before procurement of new submarines from Russia that are negotiated at the government level in the future.

The procurement of this submarine is part of Army long-term military improvement program. Which has been started by General Awawasmin Ong Lai, Commander in Chief of the military, who has been continuing the operations since he took office in 2011.

(TAF)