Russia, Myanmar Hold First Ever Joint Naval Exercise Amid International Concerns

Russian-made fighter jets used in suppressing local Myanmar resistance as Russia emerges as major arms supplier for the military-run Southeast Asian nation.

The military-run Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar held its first ever joint naval exercise with Russia in the Andaman Sea. The exercise included maneuvers with aircraft and naval vessels to defend against threats from air, sea, and land.
Russia is a major supporter and arms supplier of Myanmar's military government, which took power after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The ruling generals in Myanmar have returned this support by standing by Moscow’s foreign policy agenda.
Since the 2021 takeover, 28 Russian private and state-owned companies have reportedly transferred fighter jets, advanced missile systems, and other equipment to Myanmar's military. These Russian-made jets have been used in attacks on resistance fighters and ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar's military government, met with Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, the commander-in-chief of Russia’s navy, during the naval exercise. He was informed about the capabilities of Russian weapons, including modern systems and anti-submarine helicopters.
The joint naval exercise rivals international opposition and scrutiny, as both Russia and Myanmar face sanctions from Western nations. Myanmar has been treated as a pariah state by many countries following the military takeover and subsequent violent suppression of protests.