Myanmar has received its first shipment of Russian Su-30 fighter jets, which includes two aircraft, according to statements made by Myanmar's Minister of Commerce, Charlie Than, to a Russian news agency published on Sunday. Than mentioned to the agency on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, "Two aircraft have already been delivered." The annual Russian forum aims to enhance economic cooperation in the region and encourage foreign investment; it commenced on Sunday in the coastal city of Vladivostok.
The agency noted that Russia and Myanmar signed a contract in September 2022 for the delivery of six Su-30SME fighters. Separately, Than told the official Russian news agency TASS that a number of bilateral agreements will be signed at the Eastern Economic Forum, including agreements on developing tourism between the two countries.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet responded to a request from Reuters for comment. The United States warns that Russia's support for Myanmar's military rulers is unacceptable and contributes to instability, as its arms supplies fuel a conflict that has become a disaster for the country. The Russian Defense Minister and senior diplomats have visited Myanmar, while the head of the military council, Min Aung Hlaing, has visited Russia several times since 2021 and received an honorary doctorate.
