The Myanmar Air Force (MAF) has completed the acquisition of six Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30SME multirole fighter jets, marking a significant step in its ongoing military modernization efforts. The delivery, valued at $400 million and financed through a Russian loan, was finalized on December 15, 2024. The commissioning ceremony for the final two aircraft took place at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay during celebrations for the MAF’s 77th anniversary. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attended the event, underscoring the importance of the acquisition in Myanmar’s defense strategy. The addition of the Su-30SMEs provides a strategic boost to the MAF, which plays a critical role in counter-insurgency operations across the country.
The Myanmar Air Force conducts logistical support, transport, and close air support missions to assist ground forces engaged in conflicts with resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations. Since the 2021 military coup, the MAF has faced international scrutiny for its use of airstrikes, some of which have resulted in civilian casualties and displacement. The Su-30SMEs, stationed at Naypyidaw Air Base, enhance the MAF’s operational reach, enabling air coverage across Myanmar’s territory. Each aircraft delivery included training and technical teams to ensure operational readiness, signaling a long-term commitment to integrating these advanced platforms into the MAF’s fleet.
The Su-30SME acquisition comes as the MAF grapples with technical issues in its existing fleet. Myanmar’s Chinese- and Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, procured in the early 2010s, have faced recurring structural flaws, leading to the grounding of several units. The air force also operates older platforms such as the Chinese Nanchang Q-5s and Chengdu J-7s, which date back to its modernization push in the 1990s. These challenges have driven the MAF to prioritize acquiring more reliable platforms like the Su-30SME. While the Su-30SME offers superior performance in speed, altitude, and payload compared to the JF-17, the latter remains attractive for its lower operational costs and simpler logistics. This balance of capability versus affordability continues to shape procurement strategies for smaller air forces like Myanmar’s.
The Su-30SME (designated Flanker-H by NATO) is an export variant of the Su-30SM, tailored for international clients and manufactured at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The aircaft is equipped with Russian-made avionics, replacing foreign components found in other variants such as the Su-30MKI. It boasts advanced Russian-made avionics, a maximum takeoff weight of 34,000 kilograms, a service ceiling of 16,100 meters, and a top speed of Mach 1.75. With 12 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 8,000 kilograms, it is designed for engaging aerial and ground targets, conducting reconnaissance, and training flight personnel. Its supermaneuverability and advanced payload capacity enable it to penetrate air defense systems and operate effectively in complex combat scenarios, making it a formidable multirole platform.
