Russia completes delivery of six Su-30SME fighters to Myanmar for counter-insurgency operations.

As reported by TSAMTO on December 28, 2024, Russia has completed the delivery of six Su-30SME multirole fighter aircraft to the Myanmar Air Force under a 2018 contract valued at $400 million. The delivery, financed through a Russian loan, concluded with the official commissioning of the final two aircraft on December 15, 2024. The ceremony, held at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay, marked the 77th anniversary of the Myanmar Air Force and was attended by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
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The Su-30SME, an export variant of the Russian Su-30SM fighter, is equipped with Russian-made avionics, replacing foreign components found in other variants such as the Su-30MKI. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

Myanmar has faced challenges with its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, developed jointly by China and Pakistan. The JF-17s, along with other aircraft such as the Chinese Nanchang Q-5s and Chengdu J-7s, have been central to Myanmar’s air force modernization, which began in the 1990s. Initially, 16 JF-17s were procured, but recurring technical issues led Myanmar to prioritize acquiring the Su-30SMEs. While the performance of the Su-30SME exceeds that of the JF-17 in terms of speed, altitude, and payload capacity, the JF-17's advantages lie in its lower operational costs and simpler logistics, making it an attractive option for air forces seeking a balance between capability and affordability.

In fact, the Su-30SME and JF-17 Thunder were created with different approaches. The Su-30SME, a Russian twin-engine, two-seat variant of the Su-30, is designed for missions requiring extended range and substantial payload capacity. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.0, a service ceiling of 17,300 meters, an operational range of approximately 3,000 kilometers, and 12 hardpoints for carrying various weapon configurations. The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is a single-engine, single-seat aircraft with a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, a service ceiling of 16,920 meters, a range of 3,482 kilometers, and seven hardpoints. Its design emphasizes operational cost management and logistical simplicity.

Myanmar's aviation fleet includes a variety of aircraft sourced from multiple suppliers. These include 26 MiG-29s, 18 Yak-130s, and Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. It also operates FTC-2000G fighters, K-8W trainers, and Y-8 transport aircraft from China. European-made training and transport planes, such as the Grob G120TP and ATR-42, are also part of its inventory. Radar and electronic warfare systems have been upgraded over time as part of broader modernization efforts.

The agreement for these Su-30SME aircraft was reached during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Myanmar in January 2018. The Myanmar Air Force officially inducted the first two Su-30SMEs into service in December 2022, followed by the second pair in December 2023. The final two were commissioned during the December 2024 ceremony. Each delivery coincided with annual Air Force Day celebrations, emphasizing the ongoing modernization of Myanmar’s military capabilities. Training and technical teams accompanied each delivery to ensure operational readiness. The Su-30SMEs are stationed at Naypyidaw Air Base, enabling coverage of the entire country.

This delivery represents a significant component of Myanmar’s broader defense strategy, as the Myanmar Air Force (MAF) is currently focused on counter-insurgency operations, providing logistical support, transport, and close air support to ground forces in conflicts with resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations. Since the military coup in 2021, the MAF has increasingly conducted airstrikes, some of which have led to civilian casualties and displacement.

It faces technical challenges, including issues with its fleet, such as structural flaws in Chinese- and Pakistani-made JF-17 fighter jets, which have resulted in the grounding of several units. Additionally, the MAF must address threats from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) deployed by resistance groups, which increase the risks to its aircraft. The ongoing civil conflict has placed significant strain on the MAF's resources and operational capacity, complicating its efforts to maintain control in contested regions.

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.

The aircraft is designed for air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. Its operational range of 3,000 kilometers can be extended using in-flight refueling. The Su-30 series, including variants such as the Su-30MKI, Su-30MKA, and Su-30MKM, is operational in multiple countries, including India, China, Vietnam, and Algeria. As of 2024, over 650 units have been produced, making it a widely utilized platform for both air superiority and ground-attack missions.