View source for Myanmar Air Force

{{short description|Aerial branch of Myanmar's armed forces}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Myanmar Air Force
| native_name                   = {{Native name|my|တပ်မတော် (လေ)}}
| image                         = {{ubl|[[File: Badge of the Myanmar Air force.svg|frameless|150px]]|Badge of the Myanmar Air Force
----
[[File:Emblem or Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the Myanmar Air Force.svg|frameless|150px]]|Emblem}}
| image_size                    = 300px
| caption                       = 
| start_date                    = {{start date and age|1947|01|15|df=yes}}
| country                       = {{flag|Myanmar}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Air force]]
| role                          = [[Aerial warfare]]
| size                          = {{ubl|25,000 personnel<ref name=IISS1>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032780047 |edition=1st |pages=297–298|location=London}}</ref>|356 aircraft<ref name=IISS1 />}}
| command_structure             = {{armed forces|Myanmar}}
| garrison                      = 
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = Tatmadaw (Lay)
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = 
| colours                       = 
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| anniversaries                 = 15 December 1947
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = [[Myanmar conflict|Internal conflict in Myanmar]]
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| battle_honours_label          = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = <!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Myanmar).svg|size=25px}} [[Senior general (Myanmar)|Senior General]] [[Min Aung Hlaing]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services|Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Armed Forces]]
| commander2                    = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Ministry of Defense (Myanmar).svg|size=25px}} [[General]] [[Mg Mg Aye]]
| commander2_label              = [[Minister of Defence]]
| commander3                    = {{Flagicon image|Commander in Chief (Air Force) flag of Myanmar.svg|size=25px}} [[General]] [[Htun Aung]]
| commander3_label              = Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Roundel of Myanmar.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Fin Flash of Myanmar.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]]
| identification_symbol_3       = 
| identification_symbol_3_label = 
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:Air Force Ensign of Myanmar.svg|100px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[Ensign (flag)|Ensign]]
| aircraft_attack               = [[Nanchang Q-5]]
| aircraft_helicopter           = [[Mil Mi-2]], [[Mil Mi-17]], [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]], [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]], [[PZL W-3 Sokół]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = [[Mil Mi-24|Mil Mi-35P]]
| aircraft_interceptor          = [[Chengdu F-7|F-7llK]]
| aircraft_patrol               = [[Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander]]
| aircraft_trainer              = [[Yak-130]], [[Guizhou JL-9|FTC 2000G]], [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8W]], [[Grob G 120TP]], [[HAL HJT-16 Kiran]], [[K-8 Karakorum]]
| aircraft_transport            = [[Shaanxi Y-8]], [[Harbin Y-12]], [[Beechcraft 1900]], [[ATR 42]], [[ATR 72]], [[Fokker 70]]
| aircraft_fighter              = [[Sukhoi Su-30]], [[Mikoyan MiG-29]], [[JF-17 Thunder]]
}}

The '''Myanmar Air Force''' ({{langx|my|တပ်မတော် (လေ)|Tatmadaw (Lay)|Armed Forces (Air Force)}}, {{IPA|my|taʔmədɔ̀ (le)|pron}}) is the aerial branch of the [[Tatmadaw]], the armed forces of [[Myanmar]]. The primary mission of the Myanmar Air Force (MAF) since its inception has been to provide transport, logistical, and [[close air support]] to the [[Myanmar Army]] in [[counter-insurgency]] operations.<ref name="Myoe">{{Cite book |last=Aung Myoe |first=Maung |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1355/9789812308498/html |title=Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces Since 1948 |date=2009-01-22 |publisher=ISEAS Publishing |isbn=978-981-230-849-8 |doi=10.1355/9789812308498}}</ref> It is mainly used in [[internal conflict in Myanmar|internal conflicts in Myanmar]], and, on a smaller scale, in relief missions,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.unocha.org/sites/dms/ROAP/Civil%20Military%20Coordination/images/RCG_05042017_Final_electronic.pdf | pages=79–82 | title=Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination in Emergencies: Towards a Predictable Model | publisher=Regional Consultative Group on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination for Asia and the Pacific | year=2017 | access-date=6 June 2019 | archive-date=6 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006153327/https://www.unocha.org/sites/dms/ROAP/Civil%20Military%20Coordination/images/RCG_05042017_Final_electronic.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> especially after the deadly [[Cyclone Nargis]] of May 2008.

==History==
===Post-independence era (1948–1990)===
The Myanmar Air Force (MAF) was formed as the [[Burmese Air Force]] on 16 January 1947, while [[Burma]] (as [[Myanmar]] was known until 1989) was still under [[British rule in Burma|British rule]]. By 1948, the fleet of the new air force included 40 [[Airspeed Oxford]]s, 16 [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]]s, four [[Auster Aircraft|Auster]]s, and three [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s transferred from the [[Royal Air Force]], and had a few hundred personnel.<ref name="Myoe"/>

The Mingaladon Air Base HQ, the main air base in the country, was formed on 16 June 1950. No.1 Squadron, Equipment Holding Unit and Air High Command - Burma Air Force, and the Flying Training School, were placed under the jurisdiction of the base. A few months later, on 18 December 1950, No. 2 Squadron was formed with nine [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Douglas Dakotas]] as a transport squadron. In 1953, the Advanced Flying Unit was formed under the Mingaladon Air Base with [[de Havilland Vampire|de Havilland Vampire T55s]], and by the end of 1953 the Burmese Air Force had three main airbases, at [[Mingaladon Township|Mingaladon]], [[Hmawbi Township|Hmawbi]], and [[Meiktila]], in central Burma.<ref name="Myoe"/>

In 1953, the Burmese Air Force bought 30 [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s from [[Israel]] and 20 [[Supermarine Seafire]]s from the [[United Kingdom]], and in 1954 it bought 40 [[Percival Provost]] T-53s and 8 [[de Havilland Vampire]] Mark T55s from the [[United Kingdom]]. In late 1955, the Burmese Air Force formed a Maintenance Air Base in Mingaladon, No. 501 Squadron Group (Hmawbi Airbase) and No. 502 Squadron Group (Mingaladon Air Base). In 1956, the Burmese Air Force bought 10 [[Cessna 180]] aircraft from the [[United States]]. The same year, 6 [[Bell 47|Kawasaki Bell 47Gs]] formed its first helicopter unit. The following year, the Burmese Air Force procured 21 [[Hawker Sea Fury]] aircraft from the [[United Kingdom]] and 9 [[de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]]s from [[Canada]]. In 1958, it procured 7 additional Kawasaki Bell 47Gs and 12 [[Vertol H-21 Shawnee]]s from the [[United States]].<ref name="Myoe"/> Five years later, No. 503 Squadron Group was formed with No. 51 Squadron ([[de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]]s and [[Cessna 180]]s) and No. 53 Squadron (Bell 47Gs, [[Kaman HH-43 Huskie]]s, and [[Aérospatiale Alouette II|Aérospatiale Alouettes]]) in [[Meiktila]].<ref name="Myoe"/>

On 15 February 1961, an unmarked [[Republic of China Air Force]] [[Consolidated PB4Y Privateer]] came into Burmese air space carrying supplies for Chinese [[Kuomintang]] forces fighting in northern Burma, and was intercepted by three [[Hawker Sea Fury]] fighters of the Burmese Air Force. The intruding bomber and one Burmese fighter crashed in [[Thailand]] during the incident.<ref name=ColdList>[http://myplace.frontier.com/~anneled/ColdWar.html "Intrusions, Overflights, Shootdowns and Defections During the Cold War and Thereafter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514025909/http://myplace.frontier.com/~anneled/ColdWar.html |date=14 May 2013 }} ''myplace.frontier.com.'' Retrieved: 28 May 2013.</ref> On 17 February, a team from Burmese 9th Front Brigade left for the crash site. A 12.7mm bullet was fired into the fuselage of UB-466, hitting pilot officer Peter as well,{{clarification needed|date=October 2024}} breaking five of his ribs. Peter was recorded in the history of Burmese Air Force as an airman who gave his life for the country and the people.<ref>[in Myanmar]{{cite web|url=http://www.thitlwin.com/2017/10/19/post_140048.html|date=19 October 2017|title=Three Burmese airmen fight in the first air battle in Southeast Asia}}</ref>
In 1962, a new radar station in Mingaladon and a mobile radar station in Lwemwe (near Tachileik) were put into operation. By December 1964, the Burmese Air Force had 323 officers and 5,677 other ranks and it acquired [[Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star]] jet trainers and a new radar station, which could operate within a 120-mile (193-km) radius, was opened in [[Namsang]]. In 1966, the radar arm of the air force underwent a complete overhaul and upgrade, with new radar stations being operated. The Namsang Radar station was upgraded to cover about a 200-mile (322-km) radius and renamed No.71 Squadron. In the same year, the Burmese Air Force formed the No. 1 [[Airborne forces|Airborne Battalion]] with 26 officers and 750 other ranks.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}

On 1 January 1967, the Burmese Air Force reorganized its command structure. No. 501 Squadron Group in [[Hmawbi Township|Hmawbi]] became No. 501 Air Base HQ; No. 502 Squadron Group in Mingalardon became No. 502 Air Base HQ; and No. 503 Squadron Group in [[Meiktila]] became No. 503 Air Base HQ in Meiktila. It also maintained airfield detachments in [[Lashio]] and [[Kengtung]] to cope with the insurgency of [[Communist Party of Burma]] in the northeast border region of the country.<ref name="Myoe"/>

In 1975, the Burmese Air Force took delivery of 18 [[Bell 205]]A and seven [[Bell 206]]B helicopters from the United States under the International Narcotic Control Program (INCP). In March 1975, it bought 20 [[SIAI-Marchetti SF.260]] trainers from [[Italy]].<ref name="Myoe"/>

Between 1976 and 1987, the Burmese Air Force bought seven [[Pilatus PC-6]] Turbo porter STOL aircraft; and 16 [[Pilatus PC-7]] and 10 [[Pilatus PC-9]] turboprop trainers from [[Switzerland]]. These aircraft were deployed in [[Lashio]] for close air support in counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="Myoe"/>

In 1989, the Burmese Air Force was renamed the Myanmar Air Force in accordance with the country changing its name from [[Burma]] to [[Myanmar]].

===Modernisation programme (1990–present)===
In the early 1990s, the Burmese Air Force upgraded its facilities and introduced two new air base headquarters and existing air base headquarters were renamed. It also significantly upgraded its radar and electronic warfare facilities. The Burmese Air Force bought more than 100 aircraft from the [[People's Republic of China]], which included [[Chengdu J-7|F7 IIK]] interceptors, [[Chengdu J-7#Variants|FT-7 ]] trainers, [[Nanchang A-5|A-5C]] ground attack aircraft, [[Shenyang FT-6|FT-6M]] trainers, [[Hongdu JL-8|K-8]] trainers and [[Shaanxi Y-8|Y-8]] transport aircraft.

By 2000, the Myanmar Air Force had received 62 [[Chengdu J-7|F7 IIK interceptors]] from [[China]].<ref name="Myoe"/> Assistance from [[Israel]] was sought to refurbish and upgrade all operational [[Chengdu J-7|F-7s and FT-7s]]: these were to get the [[Elta Systems|Elta]] [[EL/M-2032]] air-to-air radar,<ref>[http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mig21/ "MiG-21 2000 Fighter Ground Attack, Russia."] ''Airforce-Technology.com.'' Retrieved: 1 December 2010.</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} [[Rafael Python]] Mk. III and even [[Litening]] laser-designator pods. The same equipment was then installed on the two-seater FT-7 fighter trainers as well. In a related deal, Israel transferred at least one consignment of laser-guided bombs, but no deliveries of any other weapons are known.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Since the [[Elbit]] contract was won in 1997, the air force had acquired at least one more squadron of F-7 and FT-7 aircraft from China, but these were not upgraded.

Between 1992 and 2000, the Myanmar Air Force took delivery of 36 [[Nanchang A-5|A-5C]] ground attack aircraft. In addition, the Myanmar Air Force also bought 20 [[Soko G-4 Super Galeb]] armed jet trainers from [[Yugoslavia]] in 1991, but only approximately 6 aircraft were delivered due to the breakup of Yugoslavia.
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inspecting the guard of honour, at the Ceremonial Reception, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 05, 2017. The President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Htin Kyaw is also seen (2).jpg|thumb|236x236px|President [[Htin Kyaw]] and Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], pass in front of the MAF Honour Guards during an arrival ceremony at the [[Presidential Palace, Naypyidaw]] in 2017.]]
The Myanmar Air Force procured a range of helicopters from [[Russia]] and [[Poland]] between 1991 and 1997; it bought 20 PZL-Swidnik [[Mil Mi-2]] and 13 [[PZL W-3 Sokol]] helicopters from Poland and 13 [[Mil Mi-17]] from [[Russia]]. These helicopters were put into counter-insurgency operations against ethnic rebels in the [[Irrawaddy River]] delta. Four [[Mil Mi-2]], four [[PZL W-3 Sokol]], and two [[Bell 205]] helicopters were grouped as an air detachment stationed in [[Bogalay]] for "Operation Monediang" in October 1991. During this operation, Mil Mi-2 helicopters were fitted with a wide range of weapons to provide ground attack and air cover for heliborne [[air assault]] operations. Four Mi-2s of the air detachment made a total of 80 sorties over 17 targets with nearly 82 flying hours. Four PZL W-3 Sokol helicopters, unarmed and used for troop transport carrying 20 airborne commandos, each flew 443 missions with 197 flying hours. [[Bell 205]] helicopters carried out [[search and rescue]], and they flew 263 missions with over 114 flying hours.<ref name="Myoe" />

In 2001, the Myanmar Air Force bought 12 [[MiG-29]] fighter aircraft (10 MiG-29Bs and two MiG-29UB two seats trainers)<ref name="Myoe" /> from [[Belarus]]. This was followed by an additional order of 20 MiG-29 (10 MiG-29B, 6 MiG-29SE and 4 MiG-29UB) as part of a $570 million defence package in December 2009. 10 MiG-29B were upgraded to SM (mod) standard in 2017.<ref name="Myanmar MiG-29 Upgrade Revealed">{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-03-28/myanmar-mig-29-upgrade-revealed-will-malaysia-follow |title=Myanmar MiG-29 Upgrade Revealed |publisher= ainonline.com |access-date=3 April 2019}}</ref> The air force also ordered 10 [[Mil Mi-35]] gunship helicopters as part of a $71 million defence package signed in December 2009.<ref name="mizzima">{{cite news|date=23 December 2009|url=http://archive-1.mizzima.com/news/world/3200-russia-burma-sign-arms-deal.html|title=Russia, Burma sign arms deal|access-date=2018-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171313/http://archive-1.mizzima.com/news/world/3200-russia-burma-sign-arms-deal.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Despite these modernisation measures, the capability of the Myanmar Air Force remained questionable, due to its absence during the [[Battle of Border Post 9631]] with [[Thailand]] and the rescue missions related to [[Cyclone Nargis]] in May 2008.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

A contract had been signed in December 2015 with [[Pakistan]] for the purchase of [[JF-17 Thunder]] multirole fighter, which was jointly developed by [[Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group]] and [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]], to Myanmar Air Force. However, in March 2018 it was reported that the deal for the purchase of JF-17 Thunder has been suspended by Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.morning.pk/2018/03/pakistan-suspends-jf-17-deal-myanmar/ |title=Pakistan suspends JF- 17 deal with Myanmar - the Morning Mail |access-date=26 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826203117/http://www.morning.pk/2018/03/pakistan-suspends-jf-17-deal-myanmar/ |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> However, four JF-17 Block-IIs were seen at Air Force Day celebrated in December 2018. Under a bilateral contract, the MAF ordered six [[Sukhoi Su-30|Su-30]]SM fighters from [[Russia]] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24658/Russia_Begins_Assembly_Of_Su_30SMs_Meant_For_Myanmar#.XZeP9i3L1R0|title=Russia Begins Assembly Of Su-30SMs Meant For Myanmar|website=www.defenseworld.net|access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref>

Since the [[Myanmar coup d'état|military coup]] in February 2021, Myanmar Air Force aircraft have been used in airstrikes on villages,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-70-civilians-trapped-by-myanmar-junta-airstrikes-on-sagaing-village.html|title=Over 70 Civilians Trapped by Myanmar Junta Airstrikes on Sagaing Village|date=12 August 2022|website=The Irrawaddy}}</ref>{{unreliable source|date=October 2024}} killing noncombatant civilians including elders, humanitarian workers and children while forcing thousands of others to flee their homes.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

==Commanders in Chief and Chiefs of Air Staff since 1948==

Commander-in-Chief and Chief of Air Staff of Myanmar Air Force in chronological order:
{| class="wikitable"
!ID
!Rank
!Name
!Serial
|-
|1
|[[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]
|Saw Shi Sho
|BAF1020
|-
|2
|[[Major (rank)|Major]]
|Tommy Clift (T. Clift)
|BAF1005
|-
|3
|[[Lieutenant colonel|Lieutenant Colonel]]
|[[Medals of Myanmar|Thura]] Selwyn James Khin
|BAF1009
|-
|4
|[[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]]
|[[Medals of Myanmar|Thura]] Tommy Clift
|BAF1005
|-
|5
|[[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]]
|Thaung Dan
|BAF1042
|-
|6
|[[Major general|Major General]]
|[[Medals of Myanmar|Thura]] Saw Phyu
|BAF1047
|-
|7
|[[Major general|Major General]]
|Ko Gyi
|BAF1059
|-
|8
|[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]]
|Tin Tun
|BAF1127
|-
|9
|[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]]
|Thein Win
|BAF1193
|-
|10
|[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]]
|Tin Ngwe
|BAF1312
|-
|11
|[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]]
|Kyaw Than
|BAF1334
|-
|12
|[[Major general|Major General]]
|Myint Swe
|BAF1587
|-
|13
|[[General]]
|[[Myat Hein]]
|BAF1682
|-
|14
|[[General]]
|Khin Aung Myint
|BAF1754
|-
|15
|[[General]]
|[[Maung Maung Kyaw]]
|BAF1925
|-
|16
|[[General]]
|[[Htun Aung]]
|BAF1982
|}

== Rank structure ==
{{main|Military ranks of Myanmar}}

===Commissioned officer ranks===
The rank insignia of [[commissioned officer]]s.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Myanmar}}
|}

===Other ranks===
The rank insignia of [[non-commissioned officer]]s and [[Enlisted rank|enlisted personnel]].
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Myanmar}}
|}

==Organisations==
*Air Force headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Naypyitaw)<ref name="Myoe"/>
*Aircraft Production and Repair Base Headquarters (Hmawbi)
*Air Force - Ground Training Base (Meiktila)
*Air Force - Fly Training Base (Shante)

==Air bases==
*[[Pathein|Pathein Air Base]] HQ
*[[Hmawbi#Hmawbi Air Base|Hmawbi Air Base]] HQ (former 501 Air Base)
*[[Mingaladon#Mingaladon Air Base|Mingaladon Air Base]] HQ (former 502 Air Base)
*[[Magway Airport|Magway Air Base]] HQ 
*[[Myitkyina|Myitkyina Air Base]] HQ (former 503 Air Base)
*[[Myeik, Myanmar|Myeik Air Base]] HQ
*[[Namsang#Transport|Namsang Air Base]] HQ
*[[Taungoo#Air|Taungoo Air Base]] HQ 
*[[Meiktila#Military|Shante Air Base]] HQ is close to [[Meikhtila]] in neighboring Pyitharyar
*[[Meiktila#Military|Meiktila Air Base]] - helicopter training and operations base
*[[Homalin|Homemalin Air Base]] HQ
[[File:Shante Airbase Meiktila.jpg|thumb|Meiktila Shante Air Base]]

Myanmar Air Force also utilised civilian airfields as front-line air fields in case of foreign invasion.

=== Air defence ===
{{Main|Office of the Chief of Air Defence (Myanmar)}}
The Office of the chief of Air Defence is one of the major branches of the [[Tatmadaw]]. It was established as the Air Defence Command in 1997 but was not fully operational until late 1999. It was renamed the Bureau of Air Defence in the early 2000s.In early 2000s, the Tatmadaw established the Myanmar Integrated Air Defence System (MIADS) with help from [[Russia]], [[Ukraine]] and [[China]]. It is a tri-service bureau with units from all three branches of [[Tatmadaw|Myanmar Armed Forces]]. All Air Defence assets except Anti-Aircraft Artillery are integrated into MIADS.<ref name="IndraStra Global Editorial Team">{{cite web|url=https://www.indrastra.com/2015/12/ANALYSIS-Myanmar-Integrated-Air-Defense-System-0516.html?m=1|title=Myanmar Integrated Air Defense System|author=IndraStra Global Editorial Team|access-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031065753/https://www.indrastra.com/2015/12/ANALYSIS-Myanmar-Integrated-Air-Defense-System-0516.html?m=1|archive-date=31 October 2020|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|date=2020-10-30}}</ref>

==Equipment==
=== Aircraft ===
[[File:Myanmar Air Force MiG-29 MRD.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29B]] sits on the tarmac]]
[[File:Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8 MRD.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Shaanxi Y-8]] lifts off from [[Yangon International Airport]]]]
[[File:Myanmar Air Force Nanchang A-5C Fantan MRD-1.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Nanchang Q-5|Nanchang A-5C]] Fantan]]
[[File:Myanmar Air Force Fokker F27 MRD.jpg|right|thumb|A retired Myanmar Air Force [[Fokker F27 Friendship|Fokker F27]]]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
| [[Sukhoi Su-30]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Sukhoi Su-30#Variants|Su-30SME]]
|8+(unknown numbers on order)<ref>{{cite web |title=Россия завершила поставку ВВС Мьянмы шести истребителей Су-30СМЭ |website=ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием |date=2024-12-28 |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2024/1228/103084222/detail.shtml |language=ru |ref={{sfnref |ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием |2024}} |access-date=2024-12-31}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Chengdu J-7]]
| [[China]]
| [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]]
| [[Chengdu J-7#Export variants|F-7M/BK]]
| 36<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|6 used for [[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion|conversion training]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|-
| [[CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder]]
| [[China]] / [[Pakistan]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder|JF-17/JF-17B]]
Block 2
| 13
|3 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Россия поставила ВВС Мьянмы три вертолета Ми-17 |website=ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием |date=2025-01-09 |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2025/0109/110584281/detail.shtml |language=ru |ref={{sfnref |ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием |2025}} |access-date=2025-01-14}}</ref>
|-
| [[Mikoyan MiG-29]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]]
| [[Mikoyan MiG-29#Variants|SM/USM]]
|38<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{cite web |last = Hoyle |first = Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title = World Air Forces 2024|publisher= [[FlightGlobal]] |year= 2023 |access-date= 15 March 2024}}</ref>
|5 used for [[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion|conversion training]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|-
| [[Nanchang Q-5#Export variants|Nanchang Q-5]]
| [[China]]
| [[Attack aircraft|attack]]
| [[Nanchang Q-5#Export variants|A-5C]]
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|[[Guizhou JL-9]]
|[[China]]
|[[Light combat aircraft|LCA]]/[[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]]
|[[FTC-2000|FTC-2000G]]
|11<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irrawaddy |first=The |date=2024-09-30 |title=Myanmar Junta Receives Six More Chinese Warplanes Amid Deadly Airstrikes on Civilians |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-receives-six-more-chinese-warplanes-amid-deadly-airstrikes-on-civilians.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref>
|50+ number on order.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irrawaddy |first=The |date=2024-09-30 |title=Myanmar Junta Receives Six More Chinese Warplanes Amid Deadly Airstrikes on Civilians |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-receives-six-more-chinese-warplanes-amid-deadly-airstrikes-on-civilians.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[ATR 42]] / [[ATR 72]]
| [[France]] / [[Italy]]	
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]] 
|
|10<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|of which four are [[ATR-72]]s<ref name="janes.com">{{Cite web|title=Myanmar Air Force inducts new aircraft|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/myanmar-air-force-inducts-new-aircraft|access-date=2021-12-20|website=Janes.com|date=17 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Beechcraft 1900]]
| [[United States]]
| [[Military transport aircraft|utility / transport]]
|
| 7<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 
|-
| [[Britten-Norman Islander|Britten-Norman BN-2]]
| [[United Kingdom]]
| [[maritime patrol aircraft|maritime patrol]]
|
| 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| [[Fokker 70]]
| [[Netherlands]]	
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
|
|2<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/world/asia/myanmar-coup-military-tatmadaw-kyaw-thaung.html|title=Worldly, Charming, and Quietly Equipping a Brutal Military|first=Hannah|last=Beech|work=The New York Times |date=24 December 2021|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Harbin Y-12]]
| [[China]]
| [[Military transport aircraft|transport]]
| 
|15+<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| [[Pilatus PC-6]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| [[Military transport aircraft|utility / transport]]
|
|5<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|[[STOL]] capable aircraft (Retired [https://defence.pk/threads/myanmar-defence-forum.347379/page-245]) 
|-
| [[Shaanxi Y-8]]
| [[China]]
| [[Military transport aircraft|transport]]
|
|[https://www.gnlm.com.mm/tatmadaw-air-commissions-aircraft-and-helicopters-into-service/ 7]
| 
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III]]
| [[France]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]]
|
|13<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|[https://defence.pk/threads/myanmar-defence-forum.347379/page-246 Retired]
|-
| [[Bell 206]]
| [[United States]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]]
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 
|-
| [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|Bell UH-1]]
| [[United States]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]]
|
|2<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|-
| [[Kamov Ka-27]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]] / [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]]
| [[Kamov Ka-27#Variants|Ka-28]]
| 2<ref name="shephardmedia.com">{{Cite web|title=Myanmar Air Force bolsters fleet with the commission of new aircraft|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/myanmar-air-force-inducts-new-aircraft|access-date=2023-01-10|website=shephardmedia.com|language=en}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-2]]
| [[Poland]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]] / liaison
|
|22<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-17]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]]
|
|25+ [https://www.gnlm.com.mm/tatmadaw-air-commissions-aircraft-and-helicopters-into-service/ .]
|
|-
| [[Mil Mi-24]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[attack helicopter|attack]]
| [[Mil Mi-24 variants#List of Variants|Mi-35P]]
|24+<ref name=":0">The Military Balance 2024, p.298</ref>
|
|-
| [[PZL W-3 Sokół]]
| [[Poland]]
| [[utility helicopter|utility]]
|
|12<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|[https://defence.pk/threads/myanmar-defence-forum.347379/page-245 Retired]
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
| [[Eurocopter EC120 Colibri|Eurocopter EC120]]
| [[France]]
| [[Helicopter|rotorcraft]] trainer 
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|[[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil]]
|[[France]]
|[[Light Utility Helicopter]]
|[[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil|Airbus Helicopters H125]]
|[https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/helicopter-accident-near-naypyitaw-kills-junta-air-force-pilot-and-trainee/ 2]
|
|-
|[[Nanchang CJ-6]]
|[[China]]
|[[Basic trainer|Basic Trainer]]
|[[Nanchang CJ-6|PT-6]]
|Unknown [https://defence.pk/threads/myanmar-defence-forum.347379/page-246]
|
|-
|[[AMD Zodiac]]
|[[Canada]]
|[[Kit aircraft|Kit Aircraft]]
|[[AMD Zodiac|CH-601]]
|[https://defence.pk/threads/myanmar-defence-forum.347379/page-245 6+]
|
|-
|[[Diamond DART series|Diamond DART]] 
|[[Austria]]
|[[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]]
|[[Diamond DART series|DART-450]]
|12+[https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/austrias-diamond-aircraft-industries-likely-to-have-breached-eu-arms-embargo-by-selling-surveillance-planes-to-myanmar-military]
|
|-
| [[Grob G 120TP]]
| [[Germany]]
|[[Trainer aircraft|basic trainer]]
|
|24<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 
|-
| [[Guizhou JL-9]]
| [[China]]
| [[Jet trainer|advanced trainer]]
| [[Guizhou JL-9#Variants|FTC 2000G]]
| [https://www.gnlm.com.mm/tatmadaw-air-commissions-aircraft-and-helicopters-into-service/ 12]
<ref name="World Air Forces 2024" />(60 on order)
|
|-
| [[Hongdu JL-8]]
| [[China]]
| [[jet trainer]]
| [[Hongdu JL-8#Variants|K-8]]
|61<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|-
| [[Pilatus PC-7]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| [[Trainer aircraft|light trainer]]
| 
| 16<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
| 
|-
| [[Pilatus PC-9]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| [[Trainer aircraft|trainer]]
|
|10<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|  	
|-
| [[Soko G-4 Super Galeb|Soko G-4]]
| [[Yugoslavia]]
| [[Trainer aircraft|trainer / light attack]]
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
| [[Yakovlev Yak-130]]
| [[Russia]]
| [[Jet trainer|advanced trainer]]
|
|24+<ref name="World Air Forces 2024"/>
|
|-
|MTX-1A
|[[Myanmar]]
|[[Basic trainer|Patrol and Basic Trainer]]
|
|[https://www.gnlm.com.mm/tatmadaw-air-commissions-aircraft-and-helicopters-into-service/ 2]
|
|-
|MTX-1B
|[[Myanmar]]
|[[Basic trainer|Patrol and Basic Trainer]]
|
|[https://www.gnlm.com.mm/tatmadaw-air-commissions-aircraft-and-helicopters-into-service/ 1]
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
|-
| [[CASC Rainbow]]
| [[China]]
| [[Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle|UCAV]]
| [[CASC Rainbow|CH-3A]]
|unknown<ref name="Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/is-myanmar-using-armed-chinese-drones-for-counterinsurgency/|title = Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?|publisher= thediplomat.com |year= 2016 |doi = |access-date= 10 July 2020|url-access=registration}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[CASC Rainbow]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weinberger (Foreign Policy)|first=Sharon|date=10 May 2018|title=China Has Already Won the Drone Wars|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/10/china-trump-middle-east-drone-wars/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023095907/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/10/china-trump-middle-east-drone-wars/|archive-date=23 October 2020}}</ref>
| [[China]]
| [[Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle|UCAV]]
| [[CASC Rainbow|CH-4]]
| 
|produced under license<ref>{{Cite web|last=United Nations Human Right Office of the High Commissioner|first=OHCHR|date=August 2019|title=Arms and Military Equipment Suppliers to the Tatmadaw|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023041726/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/Infographic2_Arms_and_Military_Equipment_Suppliers.pdf|archive-date=23 October 2020|website=[[United Nations]]}}</ref>
|-
|Sky 02
|[[China]]
|[[Unmanned aerial vehicle|surveillance]]
|
|11<ref name="Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?"/>
|
|-
|Yellow Cat A2
|[[Myanmar]]
|[[Unmanned aerial vehicle|surveillance]]
|
|22<ref name="Is Myanmar Using Armed Chinese Drones For Counterinsurgency?"/>
|domestic variant of the [[CASC Rainbow|CH-3A]]
|}

=== Armament ===
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#aabccc;"|Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#aabccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: center; background:#aabccc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="5" | [[Air-to-air missile]]
|-
| [[PL-2]]
| [[China]]
| [[Air to air missile]]
|340 missiles obtained<ref name=SIPRI>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI Trade Register|publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[PL-5]]
| [[China]]
| [[Air to air missile]]
|200 missiles obtained<ref name="sipri1">{{cite web|title=Arms Transfers Database|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute|access-date=7 October 2021|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[PL-12]]
| [[China]]
| Air to air [[beyond-visual-range missile|BVR]] missile 
|60 missiles obtained<ref name="sipri1"/>
|-
|[[R-27 (air-to-air missile)|R-27]]
|[[Russia]] 
| Air to air [[beyond-visual-range missile|BVR]] missile
|100 missiles obtained<ref name="sipri1"/>
|-
|[[R-73 (missile)|R-73]]
|[[Russia]]
| Air to air [[Air-to-air missile#Soviet Union/Russian Federation|Short range IR]] Missile
|285 missiles obtained<ref name="sipri1"/>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Anti-ship missile]]
|-
||[[YJ-83]]
| [[China]]
|
|30 missiles obtained<ref name=SIPRI/>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="7" | [[Aerial bomb]]
|-
||[[LY-502]]
| [[China]]
|
|unknown<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/how-china-russia-keep-myanmar-juntas-deadly-aerial-campaign-aloft.html | title=How China, Russia Keep Myanmar Junta's Deadly Aerial Campaign Aloft | date=12 June 2023 }}</ref>
|}

===Radars===
The Air Force has several radar installations including the three-dimensional surveillance [[YLC-2 Radar]], the [[P-35 radar|P-37]] [[Early-warning radar]] system, the [[JLP-40 Radar|JLP-40]] defensive radar, and the Galaxy [[Early-warning radar|EWR]] system, which is linked with [[Office of the Chief of Air Defence (Myanmar)|Integrated Air Defence office]].<ref name="IndraStra Global Editorial Team"/><ref>{{cite book|isbn=978-981-230-848-1 |title=Building the Tatmadaw: Myanmar Armed Forces Since 1948|page=107|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272092747|last=Maung|first= Aung Myoe|year=2009|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies }}</ref><ref name="archive.org">{{cite encyclopedia|title=National inventories, Myanmar (Burma)|encyclopedia=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002|url=https://archive.org/details/Janes_Infantry_Weapons/page/n3111|page=3112|date=22 November 2000|first1=Terry J.|last1=Gander}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=China's People|first=Military|date=4 September 2014|title=外媒：中国售缅甸机动雷达 巴基斯坦评价不错|url=http://military.people.com.cn/n/2014/0904/c1011-25600701.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225071918/http://military.people.com.cn/n/2014/0904/c1011-25600701.html|archive-date=25 December 2020|access-date=25 December 2020|website=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=19034|title=Junta Stations New Missile Battalion on Border|author=THE IRRAWADDY|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015044630/https://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=19034|archive-date=15 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=SIPRI/>

==Markings==
Myanmar [[Military aircraft insignia|national insignia]] (white triangle with yellow field in the centre and borders in blue) is usually applied on six positions. The serialling system of Myanmar Air Force aircraft is suggested to serve as both – unit and individual aircraft identity, this could not be confirmed so far, however. Most of the older aeroplanes carried the serials with the prefix "UB" and the numbers in Burmese. Sometimes the serials were outlined in white. Combat aircraft generally carry serials in black.

==Accidents and incidents==
On 24 January 1980, a Burma Air Force [[FH-227]] crashed when an engine failed shortly after take-off, killing all but one of the 44 people on board. One person on the ground was injured.<ref>"Burma jet crash kills 43", ''Daily News'' (New York), 26 January 1980, p. C9.</ref>

On 11 June 2014, a [[Mig-29|Mig-29UB]] caught fire and crashed on to farmland near [[Myothit Township|Myothit township]] of [[Magway, Myanmar|Magway]] at 8:30&nbsp;a.m. (local time). The two pilots safely ejected.<ref>{{cite web |title=မကွေးလေတပ်စခန်းက MIG 29 တိုက်လေယာဉ်ပျက်ကျ
|url=https://www.rfa.org/burmese/news/mig19-carck-down-06112014115249.html
|website=Radio Free Asia
|date=11 June 2014
|language=my
|access-date=7 October 2020}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web |title=ေလ့က်င့္ေရးတုိက္ေလယာဥ္ပ်က္က်
|url=https://burmese.voanews.com/a/army-plane-crashs/1934469.html
|website=VOA News
|date=11 June 2014
|language=my
|access-date=7 October 2020}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 166859
|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/166859 |website=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref>

On 10 February 2016, a [[Beechcraft 1900|Beech 1900]] aircraft crashed after taking off from [[Nay Pyi Taw International Airport|Naypidaw Airport]], killing 5 military personnel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/02/10/myanmar-military-plane-crash-kills-4.html|title = Myanmar military plane crash kills 4|work=The Jakarta Post|date=2016-02-10|access-date=2022-02-18}}</ref>

On 14 June 2016, an Mi-[[Mi-24 Helicopter|2 helicopter]] crashed near the [[Yangon–Mandalay Expressway]] at being refueled at the [[Taung-Ngu|Taungngu]] airbase, killing three military servicemen on board.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/military-helicopter-crash-kills-3-in-myanmar/589573|title = Military helicopter crash kills 3 in Myanmar|date=2016-06-14|access-date=2022-02-18}}</ref>

[[2017 Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8 crash]]: On 7 June 2017, a [[Shaanxi Y-8]] was reported missing {{convert|30|nmi|km}} west to [[Dawei]]. The aircraft was carrying 122 people. There were no survivors.

On 3 April 2018, An F-7 fighter aircraft of Taungoo Air Base crashed into a farm near KyunKone Village in [[Taungoo]]. The aircraft was on a training route during the crash while trying to land the ground at around 11:30 am, killing its pilot.<ref>{{cite web |title=Myanmar military training jet crashes, pilot killed
|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/myanmar-military-training-jet-crashes-pilot-killed-1502616800.html 
|website=thestatesman|date=3 April 2018 
|access-date=7 October 2020}}</ref>

On 16 October 2018, two F-7Ms crashed near [[Magway Region|Magway]], [[Myanmar]], killing both pilots and a civilian on the ground. Both aircraft struck a broadcast tower. One plummeted into a rice paddy, while the other nose-dived near a Buddhist pagoda in the [[Magway Region|Magway region]] of central Myanmar.<ref name="nyt">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/16/world/asia/myanmar-fighter-jet-crash-student.html |title=2 Myanmar Fighter Jets Crash, Killing Pilots and an 11-Year-Old |newspaper=The New York Times |date=16 October 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017182808/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/16/world/asia/myanmar-fighter-jet-crash-student.html |archive-date=17 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all |last1=Beech |first1=Hannah |last2=Nang |first2=Saw }}</ref>

On 3 May 2021, one Mi-35 helicopter was shot down near the town of [[Momauk Township|Moemauk]] in Kachin province by the [[Kachin Independence Army]] in response to the MAF's air raid. There was no confirmation from the MAF nor the [[Kachin Independence Army|KIA]] on which AA system was used by the KIA in the incident.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/05/04/asia/myanmar-military-helicopter-parcel-bomb-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Kachin rebels shoot down military helicopter as parcel bomb kills 5 in central Myanmar|newspaper=CNN |date=2021-05-04|access-date=2022-02-18|agency=Reuters }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2024 |title=Operation 1027 Delivered Three Months of Humiliation to Myanmar's Junta |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/conflicts-in-numbers/operation-1027-delivered-three-months-of-humiliation-to-myanmars-junta.html |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=The Irrawaddy}}</ref>

On 11 June 2021, a [[Beechcraft 1900]] crashed on its landing approach to [[Pyin Oo Lwin]]'s airport, killing 12 people including a senior Buddhist monk, the abbot of Zay Kone Monastery in [[Pyinmana]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/myanmar-military-plane-crash-kills-12--including-senior-monk-14992124 |title=Myanmar military plane crash kills 12, including senior monk |work=CNA|date=11 Jun 2021}}</ref>

On 16 February 2022, an A-5 fighter jet crashed near Ohn Taw village in [[Sagaing Region]].<ref name="A5 crash">{{Cite web|date=17 February 2022|title=Fighter jet crashes in Myanmar, killing pilot|work=Aerotime Hub|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/30259-fighter-jet-crashes-in-myanmar-killing-pilot|access-date=17 February 2022|first=Valius|last=Venckunas}}</ref>

On 29 March 2022, an Mi-[[Mi-17 helicopter|17 helicopter]] crashed and injured five people on board near [[Hakha]], [[Chin State]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-helicopter-crashes-in-chin-state.html|access-date=2022-03-30|date=2022-03-29|title=Myanmar Junta Helicopter Crashes in Chin State|publisher=[[The Irrawaddy]]}}</ref>

On 11 November 2023, a K-8W trainer aircraft of the Myanmar Air Force crashed in [[Hpruso Township]], [[Karenni State]]. Local rebels claimed to have shot it down, while the Myanmar Air Force claimed that it was a mechanical failure, and the pilot was later captured.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Incident Hongdu K-8W Karakorum 3942 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/347782 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref>

On 3 January 2024, an Mi-[[Mi-17|17]] was shot down by the [[Kachin Independence Army]] using FN-6 MANPAD in Waimaw Township, [[Kachin State]], killing all seven people on board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident Mil Mi-17 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/349577 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref>

On 16 January 2024, the [[Kachin Independence Army]] successfully shot down an FTC-2000G trainer/fighter of the Myanmar Air Force in the Namhpatkar area of [[northern Shan State]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Junta Fighter Jet Shot Down By KIA in Northern Shan State |url=https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/junta-fighter-jet-shot-down-kia-northern-shan-state |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=Burma News International |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2024, a Myanmar Air Force Y-8 on a mission to evacuate troops who had sought refuge in [[Mizoram]], [[India]], overshot its landing in [[Lengpui Airport]]. There were no deaths but the plane was badly damaged.<ref name="Y8d">{{cite web| url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinese-shaanxi-y-8d-aircraft-crashes-in-india-was/|date=2024-01-23|access-date=2024-01-27|publisher=The EurAsian Times|title=Made In China Shaanxi Y-8 Aircraft Crashes In India; Was Operated By Myanmar To Ferry Its Soldiers|first=Ashish|last=Dangwal}}</ref>

On 29 January 2024, the [[Karen National Liberation Army]] shot down a Junta helicopter above [[Myawaddy Township]] near the Thai border. During the incident Brigadier General Aye Min Naung, the 44th LI Division commander, Colonel Soe Tun Lwin, LI Battalion 9's acting commander, pilot Colonel Toe Oo and two army captains were supposedly killed according to military sources.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/five-myanmar-junta-officers-killed-in-helicopter-crash.html |date=2024-01-29|access-date=2024-01-30|publisher=Irrawady|title=MFive Myanmar Junta Officers Killed in Helicopter Crash}}</ref>

On 29 February 2024, a MiG-29SMT fighter of Myanmar Air Force crashed in southwest of Salin District, Magway Region. This aircraft crashed when it was on its way to combat mission, Myanmar military blamed the crash on a technical failure. One pilot ejected successfully and escaped the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Incident MiG-29SMT 2721 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/352082 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-29 |title=Myanmar's military blames technical fault for crash of fighter jet on training flight |url=https://apnews.com/article/mig-jet-fighter-crash-magway-6baa3a10b61205c4ff406acae47d51cd |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

On 2 August 2024, a Myanmar Air Force Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin crashed after take off near [[Hmawbi Air Base|Hmawbi Airport]], Yangon. The aircraft was on a training flight and the cause of the crash was blamed on an engine failure. 2 were injured and 2 were killed. The deceased were identified as Maj-Gen [[Tin Soe (general)|Soe Tin Latt]] and Copilot Col Myo Thaung.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Incident AS365 Hmawbi|url=https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/two-myanmar-military-officers-killed-in-yangon-helicopter-crash/|access-date=2024-07-02 |website=Myanmar Now |language=en}}</ref>

On 20 May 2025, a Myanmar Air Force [[Mil Mi-17]] was shot down by an [[First-person view (radio control)|FPV drone]] of the [[Kachin Independence Army]] while transporting reinforcements to the city of [[Battle of Bhamo (2024)|Bhamo]], and crashed 14 miles from [[Shwegu]]. Reportedly, all 18 passengers onboard were killed, including the pilot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-22 |title=Mi-17 Appears To Have Been Downed By FPV Drone In Myanmar |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/mi-17-appears-downed-fpv-215830538.html |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wah |first=Min Maung, Maung Shwe |date=2025-05-23 |title=Officer among 18 found dead in junta helicopter downed by Kachin fighters |url=https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/officer-among-18-found-dead-in-junta-helicopter-downed-by-kachin-fighters/?tztc=1 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Myanmar Now |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 10 June 2025, a Myanmar Air Force [[Guizhou JL-9]] was shot down using [[M2 Browning]] machine guns by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a Myanmar rebel militia, during operations over the [[Sagaing Region]]. The aircraft crashed approximately 140 kilometres west of [[Mandalay]]. The fate of the pilot(s) remains unconfirmed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-10 |title=Myanmar military fighter jet shot down, rebel group claims |url=https://www.euronews.com/2025/06/10/myanmar-military-junta-fighter-jet-shot-down-near-mandalay-rebel-group-claims |access-date=2025-06-11 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
{{Portal|Myanmar|Current events}}
*[[Myanmar Army]]
*[[Myanmar Navy]]
*[[Military intelligence of Myanmar]]
*[[Myanmar Police Force]]

==References==
{{commons category|Air force of Myanmar}}
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite journal |last1=Aloni|first1=Shlomo|last2=Arnold|first2=Peter R.|name-list-style=amp |title=From Israel to Burma: Operation Orez, Supplying and Ferrying Spitfires, Part Two|journal=Air Enthusiast |date=January–February 1999 |issue=79 |pages=2–11 |issn=0143-5450}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Gurdon|first1=Philip|title=A Sudden & Dusty Arrival: Belly-landing a Spitfire During a Ferry Flight |journal=Air Enthusiast |date=March–April 1999 |issue=80 |page=60 |issn=0143-5450}}
*Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''[[Flight International]]'', Vol. 182, No. 5370, 11–17 December 2012. pp.&nbsp;40–64. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}.
*{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |title=2023 World Air Forces |publisher=[[FlightGlobal]] |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=90733 |date=25 November 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023}}
*''World Aircraft Information Files''. Brightstar Publishing, London. File 333 Sheet 05

{{Association of SouthEast Asian Nations Armed Forces}}
{{Air forces}}

[[Category:Military of Myanmar]]
[[Category:Air forces by country]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Aviation in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Defence agencies of Myanmar]]