As reported by TSAMTO on December 28, 2024, Russia has completed the delivery of six Su-30SME multirole fighter aircraft to the Myanmar Air Force under a 2018 contract valued at $400 million. The delivery, financed through a Russian loan, concluded with the official commissioning of the final two aircraft on December 15, 2024. The ceremony, held at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay, marked the 77th anniversary of the Myanmar Air Force and was attended by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Myanmar has faced challenges with its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, developed jointly by China and Pakistan. The JF-17s, along with other aircraft such as the Chinese Nanchang Q-5s and Chengdu J-7s, have been central to Myanmar’s air force modernization, which began in the 1990s. Initially, 16 JF-17s were procured, but recurring technical issues led Myanmar to prioritize acquiring the Su-30SMEs. While the performance of the Su-30SME exceeds that of the JF-17 in terms of speed, altitude, and payload capacity, the JF-17’s advantages lie in its lower operational costs and simpler logistics, making it an attractive option for air forces seeking a balance between capability and affordability.
Myanmar’s aviation fleet includes a variety of aircraft sourced from multiple suppliers. These include 26 MiG-29s, 18 Yak-130s, and Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. It also operates FTC-2000G fighters, K-8W trainers, and Y-8 transport aircraft from China. European-made training and transport planes, such as the Grob G120TP and ATR-42, are also part of its inventory. Radar and electronic warfare systems have been upgraded over time as part of broader modernization efforts.