VLADIVOSTOK (Russia): Myanmar has received the first shipment of two Russian Su-30 fighter jets, Myanmar Trade Minister Charlie Than told Russia’s state news agency RIA.
“Two planes have already been delivered,” Than said to RIA on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, an annual gathering in Vladivostok, Russia, with the goal of fostering regional economic cooperation and attracting foreign investment.
Six Su-30SME fighter jets will be delivered to Myanmar under a contract signed by Russia and Myanmar in September 2022, according to RIA.
According to Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-controlled arms exporter, the Sukhoi Su-30SME multirole fighter is designed for enemy air targets, aerial reconnaissance, combat deployment and pilot training.
Separately, Than told Russian state news agency TASS that a number of bilateral agreements would be signed at the Eastern Economic Forum, including on the development of tourism between the two countries.
An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by the Russian Defence Ministry.
The United States has warned that Russia’s support for Myanmar’s military rulers is unacceptable and destabilizing, as its arms supplies help fuel a conflict that has turned into a disaster for the country.
Russia’s defense minister and top diplomat visited Myanmar, while junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has been to Russia several times since 2021 and was awarded an honorary doctorate.
