Naypyidaw: Russia’s growing defense ties with Myanmar’s military have irked China as it fears losing its influence in its neighbourhood. Recently, the military regime of Myanmar has received the supply of 6 Sukhoi SU-30 fighter aircraft from Russia.
China is tense with this delivery. The delivery of 6 Sukhoi SU30 fighter jets from Russia to the Myanmar Air Force comes at a time when China’s JF17 Thunder fighter jet is facing a major technical problem.
Commissioning in Myanmar Air Force
Myanmar’s air force acquired Russian fighter jets in 2018 with contracts worth $400 million. These aircraft were commissioned on 15 December 2024 at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay. Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister said that the Su-30 fighter jets will serve as the primary aircraft of the Myanmar Air Force to protect the country’s territorial integrity and counter terror threats.
Myanmar has received these aircraft from Russia when the country is embroiled in a major civil war. Various ethnic groups have waged an armed struggle in the country against the military coup that took place in 2021. These groups have had great success, including the Arakan Army, which has almost gained control of the country’s Rakhine state. Meanwhile, after the recovery of Russian aircraft, there have been reports of a major attack on the rebels by the Myanmar Air Force.
A new front against rebels
According to a report by the Russian government media TASS, Russian-made fighter jets have been deployed at the Naypyidaw air base for access across the country. Sukhoi 30 fighter jets can help the Myanmar Air Force open a front against rebel groups. Meanwhile, Chinese social media is flooded with posts criticizing the growing Russian presence in China’s precincts.
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