16 December
The Myanmar Air Force yesterday commissioned 10 new aircrafts into service to commemorate its 72nd founding anniversary.
The new aircrafts include two JF-17Bs, six Yak-130 fighters, and two MI-35 P helicopters. The ceremony was held at the Flight Training Base in Meiktila, with the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in attendance, wearing an Air Force uniform in its honor.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the inauguration of the new aircrafts would motivate officers and other ranks of the Air Force, or the Tatmadaw (Air), and would promote the capability of the Tatmadaw.
“Nowadays, non-ordinary challenges such as armed attacks, arms smuggling, drugs trade, and illegal timber extraction are threatening the administrative machinery of the government, transportation, and life and property of the people, and the peace and stability of the country,” he said.
“Natural disasters such as fires, storms, floods, thunderstorms, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and drought are also threatening the people, and the Tatmadaw is ready to offer humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as it has been formed systematically,” he added.
The three main tasks of the Tatmadaw include carrying out public welfare activities.
He said the constitution stated that the Tatmadaw would help the people when disasters strike the country.
He also acknowledged the skills of the Air Force, which has experience in relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, and urged the Air Force to carry out joint disaster preparedness drills so it can carry out rescue efforts effectively when necessary.
After his speech, Chief of General Staff (Air) Lt-Gen Tun Aung announced the commissioning of the aircrafts.
Afterwards, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Maung Maung Kyaw presented miniature aircrafts to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as souvenirs to mark the celebrations.
Following the ceremony, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his party released 72 birds and sprinkled scented water over the aircrafts, according to the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. —MNA (Translated by KZL)
