Myanmar Paying The Price

Myanmar Air Force ordered six Russian Su-30 fighter jets, announcement came during General Shoigu’s visit there. Along with these combat aircrafts, burmese military will also procure some more equipment from Moscow. $200 million has been allotted to buy six Su-30. As per the total price mentioned each of the Sukhoi will costs around $34 million. 

But, there’s no information about the exact variant of the myanmar air force’s Su-30s. The latest variant that Bangladesh Air Force wanted to buy is the “Su-30SME” which will cost around $60 million. And, except indian air force’s Su-30MKI other variants are not in production. So, definitely Russia will export their grounded baseline Sukhoi-30 to myanmar. 

Previously, Moscow exported grounded indian Su-30MKIs to the Angolan Air Force. Those were upgraded in Russia. As the latest variants are much expensive platform so burma surely buying older ones. Not the latest Su-30SME variant. 

Bangladesh Air Force was mainly inactive during last 20 years. During this timeframe no modern, advanced fighter jet were been procured. Some Chinese vintage design F-7s were purchased as the stop gap solution. To replace and expand the force under Forces Goal – 2030 BAF float a tender for eight Multirole Combat Aircrafts. But the RFP was intended towards Russia only. Su-30SME was been selected by the BAF Chief. And, hence, Moscow took the full advantage of it and demanded very high price for each jet. 

After high price tag from Russia, BAF gone backfoot and re-issued the tender. Again, Russia, offered their newest option Mig-35. But, Bangladesh Air Force wants either Su-30SME or Su-35! But, Moscow wants Bangladesh to buy their Mig-35. BAF wasn’t ready to face such situation. Due to Moscow’s rigidness regarding price BAF compelled to opt for Mig-35, about which negotiations going on now. Hoping an announcement will come soon, if not, then at least some noise will let us know about it. And, only then, myanmar air force’s Su-30 will be countered well.