Myanmar has received the first cargo of two Russian Su-30 fighter planes, according to comments made by Charlie Than, Myanmar’s commerce minister, to the Russian official news agency RIA on Sunday.
Than told RIA, “Two aircraft have already been delivered,” outside of the Eastern Economic Forum, which begins on Sunday in the port of Vladivostok. It is a yearly event hosted by Russia with the goal of fostering regional economic cooperation and attracting international investment.
According to RIA, a deal between Russia and Myanmar to provide six Su-30SME fighter fighters was inked in September 2022.
According to Rosoboronexport, the state-controlled weapons exporter in Russia, the Sukhoi Su-30SME multi-role fighter jet is intended for aerial target engagement, aerial reconnaissance, combat employment, and pilot training.
Separately, Than informed the Russian TASS official news agency that a number of bilateral agreements, including ones aimed at boosting tourism between the two nations, will be inked during the East Economic Forum.
The Russian supply of weaponry is contributing to a conflict that has turned into a disaster for Myanmar, according to a warning from the United States that Russia’s support for the country’s military authorities is inappropriate and destabilising.
Both the military minister and the senior diplomat of Russia have visited Myanmar, and since 2021, Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of the junta, has travelled there frequently and received an honorary degree.
