The commissioning ceremony of air planes and helicopters to increase the air power of Tatmadaw and the nation marking the 77th Founding Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Air) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar was held at Aviation Training School in Meiktila Station this morning, graced by Chairman of State Administration Council Commanderin-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Also present were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye and wife, retired commanders-in-chief (Air) and wives, Commanderin- Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Htain Win and wife, Commanderin-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and wife, union level officials and wives, union ministers and wives, the Mandalay Region Chief Minister and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in- Chief and wives, the Central Command commander, air base commanders, war veterans, students and honoured guests.
In his address, the Senior General said today marks the 77th Founding Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Air). On such auspicious days, air planes and helicopters were commissioned into service to enhance air power in shouldering the national defence duties. Hence, it is an honourable day for the nation, Tatmadaw and Airforce.
The Air Force has already held aircraft commissioning ceremonies for 14 times. Today, the commissioned aircraft will be transferred to the Airforce. The reinforcement of new aircraft enhances the performance of the Air Force, the essential part of its military campaigns and aerial missions, as well as its fighting ability and combat power.
A study of the modern-day battles and armed conflicts all over the world indicates the pivotal role of aerospace power for battle victory. It is visible that air superiority can control and crush the enemy and raise the morale and fighting capacity of their own troops.
In this regard Tatmadaw (Air) must always keep in touch with the latest developments and adapt to the changes. Members of the Air Force are required to be well trained to fully utilize the power of aircraft and weapon systems. As a single training session is not adequate for handling the ever-advancing technology, Air Force members must follow the process of constant studying, training and compliance.
Today, rivalry between powers is increasing, followed by the attempts to interfere in the multiple sectors of small countries, and the occurrence of territorial disputes, terrorist attacks, and internal instability all over the world.
In reflecting on the history of the Tatmadaw (Air), it is evident that, despite numerous challenges, they persevered their efforts to achieve their objectives with the aircraft and weapons at their disposal, motivated by a deep love for their country, patriotism, and unwavering determination.
It is important to emphasize the value of preserving and upholding these noble and honorable traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations. The Tatmadaw (Air) must continue to play an active role in the national defense, nationbuilding, and development efforts undertaken by the Tatmadaw. It is crucial to value and maintain the aircraft including helicopters currently commissioned into service, thereby enhancing the honor of the Tatmadaw. Furthermore, he urged the Tatmadaw to work diligently in building a modern air force that is capable of effectively safeguarding the nation.
Following this, Commanderin-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung expressed his gratitude for the aircraft commissioned into service. Chief of Staff (Air) Lt-Gen Zaw Win Myint then officially declared the aircraft and helicopters commissioned into service.
Afterward, General Tun Aung presented miniature models of aircraft and helicopters to the Senior General. Subsequently, airplanes and helicopters conducted a demonstration flight salute and aerobatic display. As part of the synchronized flight salute program, two transport helicopters hoisted the national flag and the military flag, while two light transport helicopters flew in formation to salute the Senior General.
Four light transport helicopters flew in a composite box formation of different types; Two reconnaissance aircraft and one trainer aircraft, developed and tested by the Tatmadaw (Air), flew in a composite trail formation of different types; One transport aircraft and two medium transport aircraft flew in a composite arrowhead formation of different types; Three jet fighters flew in the composite trail formation, emitting yellow, white, and blue smoke representing the Tatmadaw (Air); Two interceptor aircraft and two multirole fighter jets flew in a composite box formation of different types; Three fighter jets flew in a composite arrowhead formation, flying straight ahead in a split-winged pattern; One trainer aircraft, one multirole fighter jet, and one post-4th generation multirole heavy fighter jet, representing three types of aircraft in different sizes and flight speeds, flew in a composite arrowhead formation and saluted the Senior General.
Then, a fighter jet conducted a high speed flight at 900 kilometre per hour and the zoom climb maneuver featuring an upward vertical flight while a 4th generation multi-role heavy fighter SU-30 SME performed the oblique loop maneuver, dodging possible enemy air defence weapon fires by turning left or right and reappearing at the back of enemy aircraft, the multi-roll flight to deceive enemy aircraft and the high AOA loop, which cannot be performed by an ordinary fighter jet, and reappearing from the backward before firing rockets.
Then, birds were released for life saving donations to mark the 77th Anniversary of the air force and the Senior General and party released 77 birds before sprinkling scented water on newly commissioned aircraft.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the aircraft and posed for documentary photographs. Afterward, the Senior General greeted the pilots, who participated in the fleet demonstration, and presented cash rewards to them.
The MTX-1A and MTX-1B, which participated in the commissioning ceremony today, were reconnaissance aircraft developed by officers and other ranks of the air force. They were produced on a trial basis with the aim of gaining experience in production of aircraft by using the reverse engineering techniques. The designs for the cockpit flight system and the communication and navigation system of the MTX-1A were produced and the system integration was carried out before test flights were conducted successfully on 25 March, 2021.
Based on experience gained from production of MTX-1A, officers and other ranks of the air force produced MTX-1B by upgrading the cockpit display system, the communication system and the fuselage.
The aircraft were produced by de-signing the fuselage, electric and engine parts, the navigation system, the communication system and the control system. During the production process, functional and operational tests were conducted at every stage and MTX-1B with turboprop engines and the glass cockpit system were produced. Test flights for the aircraft were successfully conducted in March, 2024.
In the evening of 14 March, the Senior General and party observed the exhibition commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the air force and the commissioning ceremony. The exhibition displayed the history of the air force, uniforms used by the air force in successive eras, photographs depicting the history of the air force, documentary photographs of commanders-in-chief of the air force, historic aircraft and battles they fought, avionics equipment used in aircraft, miniatures of new generation aircraft and equipment used by pilots, weapons and ammunition used by the air force, photographs of air force personnel who won medals for the their capabilities, photographs of commissioning ceremonies of aircraft, documentary photographs of training for officers, other ranks and substitutes of air force, photographs depicting the international relations and development of the air force, photographs of prize presentation ceremonies for pilots by commanders-in-chief and aviation electronic equipment produced by the air force.
Then, the Senior General and wife and party signed the commemorative book of the 77th Anniversary of the air force and inspected shops selling souvenirs, traditional food, books and consumer products manufactured by respective air force bases before cordially greeting officers, other ranks and families.
