Myanmar has inaugurated an FF-135-class frigate and named two anti-submarine warfare corvettes at the Thanlyin Naval Base in Yangon.
The vessels are part of Naypyidaw’s effort to employ a medium-sized fleet that can match 21st-century threats in regional and adjacent seas as well as small platforms to defend the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The ceremony coincided with the Myanmar Navy’s 77th anniversary, which was attended by the service’s present and former Commander-in-Chiefs.
“Myanmar’s coastline is 1,260 nautical miles (2,334 kilometers/1,450 miles) long and has over 1,400 islands, filled with valuable resources on and under the sea, and natural beauty of the sea,” the military said in its press release.
“In order to protect such a complete and valuable Myanmar territorial sea, the Tatmadaw (Navy) is being continuously expanded to become modern, strong, and capable.”
Specifications
The FF-135l, named the UMS King Thalun, is the Myanmar Navy’s largest surface combatant developed to date.
Construction of the system began in 2017, with the vessel’s interior incorporating the design of “modern international warships,” similar to the service’s existing Kyan Sittha-class frigates, which carry Russian and Chinese electronic warfare and weapon systems.
The King Thalun measures 135 meters (443 feet) long with a 15-meter (49-foot) beam.
According to Naval News, the platform is expected to be fitted with a 76-millimeter gun, anti-ship missiles, and air-defense vertical launching systems.
During operations, the frigate will cover theater frontlines, patrol and surveillance missions, anti-terrorism deployments, search and rescue, and humanitarian support.
Meanwhile, the anti-submarine corvettes each measure 63 meters (207 feet) long and will be powered by a diesel and gas combination engine.
Additional details of the two boats were not disclosed in the commissioning’s announcement.
