Myanmar commissions new air power

20 July 2015
Myanmar commissions new air power
Mil Mi-35P 'Hind E' Photo:Nils Mosber/Flickr

Several aircraft and helicopters formally entered service with the Myanmar Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) in a commissioning ceremony at the Flying Training Base in Meikhtilla Air Station on 24 June, according to a report by IHS-Jane’s on 16 July quoting the Myanmar Ministry of Defence.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, noted that the commissioning of Beechcraft 1900D light transport aircraft, Grob G 120TP basic trainer aircraft, Mil Mi-35P 'Hind E' attack helicopters; Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin 2s; and Bell 206 Jetranger III helicopters, has “not only strengthened the air prowess of the air force but also the national defence capability of the Tatmadaw [armed forces].”
According to Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the Tatmadaw Lay has commissioned 36 new aircraft over the last four years: “29 units of four types of aircraft and 7 units of three types of helicopters.” Local assembly is believed to take place at the Tatmadaw Lay's Aircraft Production and Maintenance Base in Meikhtilla.