Russia is equipping Myanmar’s junta army with modern weapons

International Desk

Myanmar’s upcoming elections, with no real democratic opposition, have made junta leader Min Aung Hlaing increasingly dependent on international partners to maintain his rule. China and Russia are the main allies, with Belarus and some Southeast Asian countries also providing support. Notably, North Korea is also playing a key role in supplying the junta with weapons.

Myanmar’s relations with Russia are not only diplomatic, but also military cooperation is currently extensive. In early 2025, Min Aung Hlaing visited Russia for the fourth time and officially met in the Kremlin at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. There, he supported Russia’s actions and expressed his support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Russia has been a major supplier of helicopters, fighter jets, drones and other military equipment since the 2021 coup. In September 2025, Myanmar received three Russian Mi-38 helicopters, making it the first foreign operator of the model internationally. Myanmar also received Chinese Y-8 military transport aircraft.

Myanmar is currently supplying Russia with 120mm mortar rounds and other ammunition for the war in Ukraine. Plans are also underway to expand drone and UAV production between the two countries. After the earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025, Russian aircraft delivered military equipment and spare parts for air defense systems under the guise of humanitarian aid.

Russian military advisers and technical experts are actively working in various parts of Myanmar, especially in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and the Pinpet region of southern Shan State. Pinpet is home to large iron ore mines and joint industrial projects.

Min Aung Hlaing and the Russian government have reached an agreement to build a small modular nuclear reactor and a nuclear research center in Myanmar. While officially for peaceful purposes, experts believe the junta government is also interested in the potential development of nuclear weapons.

Min Aung Hlaing is raising foreign currency for initial financing, which is equivalent to about half a billion US dollars.

The Russia-Myanmar partnership is not limited to arms supplies or military training. It is being used as a key tool to maintain junta rule and suppress opposition forces across the country. With Western countries remaining silent and ASEAN’s five-point solution effectively failing, the situation is becoming more complex and violent.