The Russian Navy will hold its first naval exercise with the Myanmar Navy in the Andaman Sea this week.
Spanning November 7 to 9, it includes aerial and underwater drills as well as maritime security exercises, including live firing, Xinhua reported, citing Myanmar state media.
The Russian Pacific Fleet’s three destroyers are participating with a crew of 800.
Mutual Diplomatic Support
Russia is Myanmar’s key supporter, providing it with diplomatic and military support.
Moscow has consistently blocked UN Security Council resolutions condemning the 2021 military coup.
In turn, Myanmar has refrained from condemning Russia for its Ukraine invasion.
Russian Arms Supply
Russia has also been the country’s major arms supplier, providing it with weapons such as Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile systems, drones, radars, M-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and Su-30 fighter jets.
Myanmar has reportedly deployed weapons such as Mi-35 and Yak-130 combat training aircraft against resistance fighters.
Recent Clashes
The naval exercise comes on the heels of reports that an anti-government alliance of minority ethnic groups has made gains against government forces in northern Shan state.
Around 23,000 people have been displaced in the recent bout of violence in the area situated near the Chinese border, according to the UN.
The alliance claimed to have captured dozens of outposts and four towns in a week of fighting, forcing the regime to call in air and artillery support.