Myanmar, Russia ramp up military cooperation with over 50 joint activities

02/04/2024 15:30

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NP News - April 2

Russia and Myanmar's armed forces are preparing for over 50 joint mil­i­­tary activities, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on Thursday, with reference to the Russian Defence Ministry. "We have a solid basis for further devel­opment of relati­ons between the armed forces of Russia and Mya­n­mar. This year, we have planned more than 50 events of bilateral military cooper­atio­n, including reciprocal visits of the commanders-in-chief of branches of the armed forces, as well as joint operational and combat training projects," Fomin said during talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services.

The Russian news stations have also indicated that the activities will encompass both operational and combat training for the armed forces.

After 2021 political transition in Myanmar, the bilateral relationship between Myanmar and Russia has been strengthening leading to an increase in military and economic collaborations. It is also reported that in September 2023, Russia sent two Russian Su-30 fighter jets to Myanmar. A contract for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighter jets was reportedly signed between the two countries in 2022.

The Myanmar Army Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia at least three times and also met with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The Senior Russian Government Officials, including the Russian Defence Minister, have frequently visited Myanmar, and Myanmar's Senior Governmental Officers have also visited Russia.

The First Myanmar-Russia Maritime Security Exercise (MARUMEX) was initiated in Yangon in November 2023. According to the reports, the Myanmar-Russia Maritime Security Exercise involves the prevention of air, water surface, and underwater threats, along with maritime security measures, featuring the participation of aircraft and naval vessels from both sides.