Myanmar’s military junta has officially retired its fleet of Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, replacing them with six advanced Russian Sukhoi Su-30SME aircraft. This decision comes after persistent technical issues with the JF-17s, including structural flaws and operational malfunctions, which rendered the aircraft largely unusable. The grounded fleet strained Myanmar’s defence operations, prompting a significant shift in its air power strategy.

The Su-30SMEs, acquired through a $400 million contract signed in 2018, mark a major upgrade for Myanmar’s Air Force. These jets, boasting a top speed of Mach 2.0 and a range of 3,000 kilometers, were fully delivered by December 2024, with the final pair commissioned during a ceremony at Meiktila Air Base. The advanced capabilities of the Su-30SMEs significantly enhance Myanmar’s military strength, especially in counter-insurgency operations and territorial defence.

The failure of the JF-17 Thunder jets reflects poorly on both China and Pakistan, which collaborated on their production. Structural cracks, avionics issues, and a lack of effective beyond-visual-range missile capabilities plagued the JF-17s. Myanmar’s limited technical expertise in maintaining these aircraft, coupled with international sanctions restricting access to essential Western components, exacerbated the problem. Dissatisfaction over the condition of the aircraft has reportedly strained relations between Myanmar and Pakistan, further complicating their defence partnership.

The replacement of the JF-17s with Russian Su-30SMEs signals a realignment of Myanmar’s defence alliances. While the JF-17s failed to meet operational needs, the Su-30SMEs bring advanced technology and reliability to the forefront of Myanmar’s air force. This development highlights the shifting dynamics in regional military collaborations and underscores the challenges faced by nations like Pakistan in sustaining defence relationships when their exports fail to deliver operational success.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from EurAsian Times.