Myanmar Takes Delivery of Two Su-30SME Fighter Jets From Russia

06 Juli 2022

Myanmar Su-30SME when conducted maiden flight (photo : Vinod)

Russia delivered the first two of six new Su-30 jet fighters to Myanmar in March, according to several informed sources who formerly served with the Myanmar Air Force.

Moscow sent several trainers and technicians to assist the Myanmar Air Force during the warranty period, according to the sources, who are former Myanmar Air Force officers who joined the anti-coup movement last year. They said the Russian pilots and technicians will stay in Myanmar until the warranty period is over. One source said several of the Russians are staying in Naypyitaw while some are based in Mandalay. He confirmed that the two new Su-30s are now in a hanger in Naypyitaw, a strategic location in central Myanmar from where they will be able to cover the entire country from the far north to the south.

The Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter jet developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air interdiction missions. The multirole fighters were used by Russia in Syria in 2015.

In 2018, Russia agreed to sell six Su-30 fighter jets to the Myanmar military during Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu’s visit to Myanmar.

“The planes will become the main fighter aircraft of Myanmar’s air force to protect the country’s territorial integrity and repel any terror threats,” Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin was quoted as saying at the time by the Russian news agency TASS.

Over the years, Myanmar’s military has bought MiG-29 and Su-30 multi-role aircraft, Yak-130 jet trainer and light combat aircraft, Mi-17 transport helicopters and Mi-24 helicopter gunships from Russia.

See full article The Irrawaddy