Several aircraft and helicopters formally entered service with the Myanmar Air Force (Tatmadaw Lay) in a commissioning ceremony at the Flying Training Base in Meikhtilla (Shante) Air Station on 24 June, according to the Myanmar Ministry of Defence.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, noted that the commissioning of Beechcraft 1900D light transport aircraft, Grob G 120TP basic trainer aircraft, Mil Mi-35P 'Hind E' attack helicopters; Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin 2s; and Bell 206 Jetranger III helicopters, has "not only strengthened the air prowess of the air force but also the national defence capability of the Tatmadaw [armed forces]."
According to Gen Hlaing, the Tatmadaw Lay has commissioned 36 new aircraft over the last four years: "29 units of four types of aircraft and 7 units of three types of helicopters." Local assembly is believed to take place at the Tatmadaw Lay's Aircraft Production and Maintenance Base in Meikhtilla.
While the numbers of aircraft were not detailed, it is known that at least half - if not all - of the 20 Grob G-120TP on order have been delivered. At the June ceremony, one Mi-35P, at least three AS365s and three Bell 206s along with a number of G-120TP trainers were on display or took part in flying demonstrations.
The AS365s will be used for search and rescue (SAR), medevac and "sea reconnaissance missions" while the Bell 206 will serve as basic trainers for pilots transitioning to Mi-2, Mi-17, and Mi-35 helicopters, Gen Hlaing said.
Other aircraft inducted on 25 February include six K-8W jet trainers along with a single ATR 42 transport and a pair of Beechcraft 1900Ds - which will also be used for SAR and surveillance missions and serve as trainers for pilots moving onto ATR 42, ATR 72, Y-8 and Airbus transports.
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