Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that superior air power not only allows for dominance, control, and suppression of the enemy but also significantly enhances the morale and combat effectiveness of own forces.
In commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Air), a ceremony to commission aircraft and helicopters into service took place at Flying Training Base in Meiktila Station yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General highlighted that commissioning aircraft and helicopters into service at the Tatmadaw (Air) aims to improve its capacity of military operations and other flight duties as well as combat power and capacity of the Tatmadaw.
He noted that in analyzing ongoing wars and armed conflicts across the globe in the present era, it becomes evident that aviation and space power play a critical role in achieving victory of wars.
The Senior General emphasized that superior air power not only allows for dominance, control, and suppression of the enemy but also significantly enhances the morale and combat effectiveness of own forces.
He pointed out that Tatmadaw (Air) needs to continuously monitor, analyze, and evaluate the evolving situations and adapt progressively and appropriately to achieve development.
He stated that the newly commissioned aircraft and helicopters should be handled with care, elevating the honour of the Tatmadaw, urging efforts to build and strive for a modern and highly capable Tatmadaw (Air) that can effectively defend and safeguard the nation at all times.
The Senior General highlighted that the full capacity in utilizing owned aircraft, helicopters, and weapon systems to their maximum capability is a key requirement for conducting operations effectively.
Currently, he continued that competition among powerful nations continues, leading to consequences such as interference and attempts to exert influence over small countries in various sectors.
Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung spoke words of appreciation for commissioning the aircraft while Chief of Staff (Air) Lt-Gen Zaw Win Myint declared commissioning the aircraft and helicopters into service.
Two freighter helicopters bearing the State flag and Tatmadaw flag flanked by two light freighter helicopters saluted the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.
Four light freighter helicopters in Composite Box Formation, two reconnaissance aircraft manufactured by the Tatmadaw (Air) and one training aircraft in Composite Trail Formation, one freighter and two medium freighter aircraft in Composite Arrow Head Formation, three jet fighters in Composite Trail Formation, two interceptors and two multipurpose jet fighters in Composite Box Formation, three fighters in Composite Arrow Head Formation, one training aircraft, and one multi-purpose jet fighter and post fourth generation multipurpose heavy jet fighter in Composite Arrow Head Formation saluted the Senior General.
A fighter demonstrated skills of Zoom Climb Maneuver in speed of 900 kilometres per hour whereas Su-30 SME fighter flied in Oblique Loop Maneuver, Multi Roll, High AOA Loop, displaying flares.
The Senior General and party released 77 birds in commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of Tatmadaw (Air) and viewed round the commissioned aircraft and helicopters. He cordially greeted the pilots and gave cash awards.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, the wife of the Senior General, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye and his wife, retired Commanders-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and his wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and his wife, union-level dignitaries and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, the Mandalay Region Chief Minister and his wife and officials.
MTX-1A and MTX-1B reconnaissance aircraft were manufactured by the Tatmadaw (Air) through reverse engineering technology. MTX-1A was successfully operated on 25 March 2021.
Based on experiences of manufacturing MTX-1A, Tatmadaw members from Tatmadaw (Air) manufactured MTX-1B aircraft installed Turboprop engine and Glass Cockpit System with modern communication systems. MTX-1B was successfully operated on test in March 2024.
On the evening of 14 December, the Senior General and party viewed round aviation documents, uniforms of Tatmadaw (Air) used in successive eras, documentary photos, documentary photos of Commanders-in-Chief (Air), historic aircraft and helicopters and their battle records, avionics equipment from aircraft and helicopters, scale models of new generation fighters, arms and ammunition used at Tatmadaw (Air), documentary photos of gallantry medal and title winners of Tatmadaw (Air), photos on commissioning aircraft and helicopters into services, training of Tatmadaw members, international relations, development of Tatmadaw (Air), presentation of pilot awards and aviation electronic machinery produced by Tatmadaw (Air) at the commemorative exhibition.
The Senior General, his wife and party visited the souvenir shops, traditional foodstuff shops and the book store of relevant airbases and sales of personal goods produced by Tatmadaw and cordially greeted Tatmadaw members and families. — MNA/TTA
