Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing said that the Myanmar Navy is ready to go into the battle with more than 20 naval vessels, including submarines and frigates, during a ceremony to mark its 78th anniversary at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Yangon’s Thanlyin Station on Wednesday.
“The Navy, now possessing not only large warships but also submarines, can operate as a fully three-dimensional combat-ready force,” said Min Aung Hlaing, who added that the navy is capable of engaging in all four operational domains: surface warfare, space operations, undersea warfare and electronic warfare.
Min Aung Hlaing claimed that the Navy has improved its capabilities with combat submarines and amphibious warfare boats, and it is now able to independently design, build and operate frigates along Myanmar’s maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zone. Before this, the navy had limited access to marine activities.
“It is impossible to fully protect Myanmar’s vast maritime areas with the Navy alone. Only by coordinating with Army, Air and the Myanmar Coast Guard can the nation more effectively secure its maritime security sector,” added Min Aung Hlaing during his speech.
The Myanmar Navy fleet now reportedly includes a full range of ships, from frigates to fast riverine attack boats and auxiliary vessels. The regime in Naypyidaw believes its naval fleet has been less significant than the other branches of the military on the frontline in Arakan State, where regime forces have implemented a land and sea blockade in the region since the Arakan Army (AA) launched its offensive in November 2023.
A military analyst told DVB on the condition of anonymity that regime forces may soon undertake a larger naval operation against the AA, which has seized control of 14 out of 17 townships in Arakan State, as well as Paletwa Township in southern Chinland, since late 2023.
“It is impossible for the military to launch a ground attack on the AA from Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady Regions. [Regime forces] are thinking about attacking from the sea. The AA should exercise caution,” he said.
Min Aung Hlaing claimed at the 78th anniversary of the Myanmar Air Force in Naypyidaw on Dec. 15 that he would purchase additional aircraft. A total of 30 newly commissioned or previously observed aircrafts, including Mi-17 helicopters were showcased during the ceremony.
The Navy was established as the naval branch of the Myanmar Armed Forces on Dec. 24, 1947, before Myanmar gained its independence from Britain in 1948. Deputy Colonel Khin Maung Bo was appointed Myanmar’s first Chief of the Navy. The Armed Forces began with 500 soldiers and 75 officers. The naval force had one frigate named Mayu, two minesweepers, and 12 patrol boats, which was a total of 15 vessels.
