The Myanmar junta announced on 22 January it has graduated a new intake of air force pilots, reinforcing the ranks of an arm that has come in for much criticism for the indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets as well as military as it claims to battle armed resistance across the country.
The ceremony for the graduates of the 87th intake of the Tatmadaw (Air) pilot training course took place in Meiktila, according to state media. Shante Air Base, the Air Force’s main pilot training facility, is located near Meiktila.
The event was overseen by Air Force chief General Zeya Kyaw Htin Sithu Tun Aung, who presented wings and awards to newly qualified pilots.
In a speech reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar, the general said the graduates would be assigned to various air force units to operate “high-value, advanced aircraft and helicopters” in the service of national defence.
He said the training programme was aimed at producing “qualified and competent pilots” capable of flying modern aircraft, as part of efforts to build a “strong, capable and modern” air force. He also reportedly urged graduates to uphold discipline, unity and fairness in their duties, and stressed the importance of continued learning.
State media reported that the military is prioritising the procurement and domestic research and production of aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and weapons systems, alongside ongoing training to keep pace with modern technology.
The ceremony comes as Myanmar’s junta t faces widespread armed opposition nearly five years after seizing power in a 2021 coup. The military has increasingly relied on air power in its fight against ethnic and pro-democracy resistance forces.
The Air Force has been repeatedly accused by rights groups and the political opposition of also carrying out airstrikes against civilian targets including villages, schools, monasteries, and hospitals and clinics. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and many more injured in these airstrikes.
The junta denies targeting civilians and says its operations are aimed at restoring stability and countering what it describes as “terrorist” groups. Indeed, air strikes are often described in state media as targeting supporters of “terrorist” organisations.
Analysts say the graduation of new pilots highlights the military’s determination to sustain its air operations despite battlefield losses, defections and international sanctions that have restricted its access to aircraft, spare parts and aviation fuel.
