Russia ships its most powerful Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to…, its capable of…; it’s not Iran, China, India

As per the Army Recognition Group (ARG), Myanmar has encountered challenges with its fleet of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a joint development by China and Pakistan.

Russia has completed the delivery of Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Myanmar. The Army Recognition Group (ARG) on Monday stated that the Myanmar military regime has now received all six Su-30 jets it ordered from Russia. The final two aircraft were officially commissioned on December 15, 2024 during a ceremony at the Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay, held to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Myanmar Air Force. The event was presided over by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

As per the Army Recognition Group (ARG), Myanmar has encountered challenges with its fleet of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a joint development by China and Pakistan. These jets, along with other aircraft like the Chinese Nanchang Q-5s and Chengdu J-7s, have been a key part of Myanmar’s air force modernization efforts since the 1990s. While Myanmar initially procured 16 JF-17s, persistent technical issues prompted the country to focus on acquiring the more advanced Su-30SME jets. The Su-30SME outperforms the JF-17 in speed, altitude, and payload capacity. However, the JF-17 remains appealing due to its lower operational costs and simpler logistics, offering a cost-effective solution for air forces seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

Russia ships its most powerful Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to…, its capable of…; it’s not Iran, China, India

Russia has shipped its most advanced Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to a new recipient, a nation capable of utilizing these formidable aircraft to enhance its military strength. This country is not Iran, China, or India. In 2018, Myanmar signed a contract with Russia for six Su-30SME multirole fighter jets. Under this agreement, the aircraft were provided to Myanmar as part of a Russian loan, valued at $400 million. At the time, Russian news agency TASS quoted Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin, stating that these aircraft will become the main combat aircraft of the Myanmar Air Force, which will protect the territorial integrity of the country and repel any terrorist threats.

During last month’s ceremony, the junta media reported the induction of additional combat aircraft and helicopters, though specific models were not disclosed. The report highlighted the participation of post-fourth-generation Su-30 jets in the aerial parade. Speaking at the event, Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for ongoing training to fully utilize the capabilities of aircraft, helicopters, and weapon systems, thereby boosting the effectiveness of air operations.

According to the Navbharat Times report, the first two Su-30 fighter jets were formally inducted into service during the 75th Air Force anniversary celebrations in December 2023. The junta chief performed a ceremonial blessing with holy water and asserted that these advanced aircraft would significantly strengthen the regime’s air dominance. He also lauded the Air Force pilots for their efforts in the northern Shan State conflict. Despite these claims, in the months that followed, nearly all of northern Shan State was seized by rebel factions under the Brotherhood Alliance’s leadership.

The Su-30SME, an export variant of the Russian Su-30SM fighter, was first presented internationally at the Singapore Airshow in 2018. ‘It is equipped with Russian-made avionics, replacing foreign components found in other variants such as the Su-30MKI. Manufactured at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, the Su-30SME features a maximum takeoff weight of 34,000 kilograms, a service ceiling of 16,100 meters, and a maximum speed of Mach 1.75. It has 12 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 8,000 kilograms,’ reads ARG.

Nyan Lin Thit Analytica, a group tracking junta atrocities, reported that since the 2021 coup, the junta’s air campaigns against resistance forces and ethnic armed groups have frequently targeted residential areas, including schools, healthcare centers, displacement camps, and places of worship. Despite widespread condemnation from the international community and human rights organizations, the airstrikes escalated last year. Between January and August 2024 alone, 1,639 airstrikes were carried out, resulting in the deaths of at least 814 people.