Senior General Min Aung Hlaing highlighted that Sukhoi Su-30 SME fourth-generation supermanoeuvrable fighter aircraft could be commissioned into service to contribute to improving the Myanmar Air Force power. A ceremony to commission new aircraft into service in commemoration of the 76th birthday of Myanmar Air Force took place at Nay Pyi Taw Airbase yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The Senior General urged the Myanmar Air Force to join hands with the Myanmar Army and the Myanmar Navy in serving conventional warfare, non-conventional warfare and public welfare warfare with utmost efforts for the sake of the people.
In his speech, the Senior General said it is a new step to upgrade the Myanmar Air Force to a tactical air force possessing some strategic capabilities to be effectively applied in serving the majority of functions of air force power as a future aspiration of Air Force. With regard to the firm belief of the Air Force, he continued that the role of technology and human resources can make decisions over the conflicts in the new era of wars, and he stressed the need to seek good ways to apply experiences from the past events in the future. He noted that while reviewing the building of air force power of relevant countries on time, Air Force has to shape itself to be a compact and capable air force possessing prowess air force power and aerospace capability.
Chief of Staff (Air) Lt-Gen Zaw Win Myint declared the commissioning of the aircraft. Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung presented a scale model of commissioned aircraft to the Senior General. Next, an already-commissioned Su-30SME fighter aircraft saluted the Senior General and demonstrated flying skills. The Senior General sprinkled scented water on the commissioned aircraft. the Myanmar Air Force has organized the ceremonies of commissioning aircraft/ helicopters 13 times. At the 14th commissioning ceremony, two fourth-generation supermanoeuvrable Su-30SME fighter aircraft were handed over to Tatmadaw (Air).
The Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name: Flanker) is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter aircraft developed in the Soviet Union by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. The Sukhoi Su-30SME (Flanker-H) is the export version of the Su-30SM, with foreign avionics of other Su-30MKI derivatives replaced with Russian systems, and the possible downgrade of certain systems such as the radar modes and fire control. It was unveiled at the Singapore Airshow 2016, and has been offered to Iran, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar. Russia and Myanmar signed a contract in September 2022 for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighter jets. 2 Su-30SMEs delivered in March 2022 and entered service on 15 December. Between 4 and 6 have arrived as of November 2022. 4 delivered as of 15 December 2023.
