Myanmar’s ruling military has expanded its aviation capabilities with newly acquired combat aircraft, according to state-controlled media reports released Friday, as government forces intensify campaigns to reclaim territory from opposition groups in the nation’s ongoing civil conflict.
While the state-operated Global New Light of Myanmar publication did not detail the exact quantity or specifications of the aircraft additions, military-released photographs indicate the acquisition of four fighter jets, including a pair of Russian-manufactured Su-30 aircraft commonly deployed for aerial bombardment and combat operations.
This marks the sixth aircraft commissioning since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration in February 2021, sparking widespread armed opposition throughout Myanmar.
Both Russia and China serve as primary backers and weapons providers to Myanmar’s military leadership, while Western countries have implemented sanctions that include bans on military equipment sales.
According to the publication, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military chief, stated that maintaining a robust air force is essential to “protect the state interest effectively.”
The general further noted that the air force has proven its effectiveness in past anti-insurgency campaigns, counterterrorism efforts, and operations defending against foreign threats, the report indicated.
Myanmar’s military administration has surrendered significant portions of national territory to pro-democracy People’s Defense Forces and ethnic militant organizations. Government forces have escalated recapture operations and achieved multiple combat victories, though their aerial bombardments have frequently resulted in civilian deaths.
The opposition National Unity Government, which organizes resistance against military control, and the Karen National Union, an ethnic armed organization battling government troops, issued separate Monday statements claiming approximately 30 to 40 fatalities occurred when military forces deployed drones, fighter aircraft, and artillery during ground operations in lower-central Bago region villages from March 5 through March 7.
The influential Arakan Army ethnic militia, operating in western Rakhine state, announced Wednesday that 116 detained army personnel, including officers imprisoned at an Ann township facility, perished during aerial bombardments conducted by eight military aircraft on Sunday.
Military officials have not acknowledged any operations in Bago or Rakhine regions. Independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.
Nay Phone Latt, an NUG representative, informed the Associated Press that acquiring additional aircraft aims to intensify ongoing bombardments of civilian locations.
“The military continues targeting civilians and conducting mass executions. The international community must not ignore this situation,” he stated.
The Global New Light of Myanmar additionally reported that military forces have regained control of the historic town of Tagaung in northern Mandalay following an extended offensive campaign.
Tagaung, situated approximately 170 kilometers north of Mandalay, the nation’s second-most populous city, had remained under NUG-aligned forces’ control since August 2024.
Retaking Tagaung, the final NUG-controlled municipality in Mandalay Region, represents another significant defeat for opposition organizations resisting military rule.
Nay Phone Latt explained that resistance fighters retreated from the town after military forces initiated an assault deploying substantial troop numbers and heavy armaments, though they continue maintaining positions in surrounding areas.
