Six Russian Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets have formally replaced Myanmar’s military junta’s fleet of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, which were manufactured in China. This change coincides with continuing technical problems with the JF-17s, which have been grounded because of malfunctions and structural defects.
A contract signed in 2018 completed the acquisition of the Su-30SMEs, which had a $400 million estimated value. At a ceremony held at Meiktila Air Base on December 15, 2024, the last two aircraft were put into service. The Su-30SME is a notable improvement over the JF-17s due to its advanced capabilities, which include a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 and an operational range of roughly 3,000 kilometers.
Since Myanmar had previously depended on the JF-17s to strengthen its military capabilities, this change in air power is viewed as a setback for both China and Pakistan. According to reports, the junta has expressed dissatisfaction over the unsuitable condition of the aircraft supplied by Islamabad, and the failure of these jets has strained relations between Myanmar and Pakistan.
Improved air support capabilities are required as the Myanmar Air Force fights different rebel groups in counter-insurgency operations. The Su-30SMEs’ launch is a component of a larger plan to bolster military operations in the face of persistent territorial disputes and civil unrest. This development highlights how regional military alliances are changing and how difficult it is for nations like Pakistan to keep up their defense alliances in the face of operational setbacks.
The military junta in Myanmar is operating JF-17 Thunder jets, but they are essentially useless due to a number of serious technical problems. The primary issues affecting these aircraft are as follows:
Numerous JF-17s have grounded as a result of structural cracks that have appeared in their airframes. This problem is serious because it jeopardizes the aircraft’s overall stability and operational safety.
The technical know-how required to properly maintain and repair the JF-17s is lacking in the Myanmar Air Force (MAF). This shortcoming has made pre-existing issues worse and made it more difficult to get the aircraft back into service.
The KLJ-7 Al radar, which is installed on the JF-17s, has drawn criticism for its low accuracy and difficult maintenance. The aircraft’s combat effectiveness is further limited by the lack of adequate airborne interception radar and effective beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile capabilities.
Due to international sanctions imposed following the military coup in 2021, Myanmar finds it challenging to obtain spare parts for the JF-17 because its avionics include parts sourced from Western manufacturers. The jets’ operational readiness has been significantly impacted by this lack of access to necessary parts.
Even years after the JF-17s were commissioned, the MAF has been unable to effectively use them in combat because of these technical issues. Their air operations have consequently been forced to rely on older Chinese and Russian aircraft.
Significant discontent among Myanmar’s military leadership and strained ties with Pakistan, which co-manufactured the jets with China, have resulted from these persistent problems.
