Myanmar displays latest military acquisition during the annual parade of Armed Forces Day 0304131.

The senior general said the military had helped achieve and protect independence and that as it moves towards modern democracy, the military will play a leading role in national politics.

Min Aung Hlaing also said the military served the national interest and that its conflicts with armed ethnic groups were not based on racism or hatred: “The military is shouldering its duties not for a person or a group of people. It is not engaged in armed conflicts because of racial or personal hatred.” The military only fought with insurgents, he said.

Min Aung Hlaing also said the military needed to modernise, but described this in terms of the ability to use weapons as well as training methods. Soldiers need to learn how to use high-tech weapons and systematic training is necessary to build a capable force, he said.

As Myanmar integrates regionally and globally the military will work for regional peace and stability, the general said. “As the country continues to follow a free, active, non-aligned foreign policy and peaceful-coexistence principle, it is forging amity with regional and international countries as well as international organisations,” Min Aung Hlaing said. “Myanmar will continue to work for regional peace and stability in cooperation with the member countries of [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations],” he added.

During a military parade, the Myanmar armed forces have showed their latest accquisition as the SH-1 155mm 6x6 wheeled-self-propelled howitzer, the PTL-02 6x6 anti-tank assault gun, and the Pechora-2M air defence missile system.