77th anniversary Air Force Day: Commissioning Ceremony of new aircrafts

A commissioning ceremony of new aircrafts to commemorate the 77th anniversary Air Force Day was held on Sunday at Meiktila Air Base.

This event plays a key role in strengthening the nation’s air power and enhancing the capabilities of the Tatmadaw. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. In his address, the Senior General underscored the vital role of air and space power in modern warfare and ongoing global conflicts.

He stressed the need for continuous assessment and adaptation by the Tatmadaw (Air) to respond effectively to changing circumstances and implement necessary adjustments.

The Senior General stressed that continuous training is vital to fully utilize the capabilities of aircraft, helicopters, and weapon systems. He highlighted that, due to ongoing technological advancements, training must be conducted as an ongoing process of "study, practice and follow" rather than a one-time event. Since its establishment, the Tatmadaw (Air) has diligently served in national defense, counter-narcotics, disaster response, humanitarian aid, and supporting national development, fulfilling its duties for the nation and its people as needed.

The Senior General urged the Tatmadaw (Air) to continue its active involvement in national defense, nation-building, and development efforts led by the Tatmadaw. Following the Senior General’s speech, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung delivered a speech of thanks, while Chief of Staff (Air) Lt-Gen Zaw Win Myint declared the commissioning of the new aircrafts and helicopters.

The Commander-in-Chief (Air) then presented miniature aircrafts and helicopters to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as a commemorative gift. It was followed by the demonstration of aircrafts and helicopters, performing various maneuvers, including Composite Box Formation, Composite Trail Formation, Composite Arrow Head Formation, High-Speed Flight, Zoom Climb, Oblique Loop, Multi Roll and High AOA Loop.

The Senior General and entourage released 77 birds, in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Tatmadaw (Air) and sprayed scented water on the new aircrafts and helicopters. They then proceeded to tour the newly commissioned aircrafts and helicopters. The reconnaissance aircrafts MTX-1A and MTX-1B, participating in the commissioning ceremony were developed by Tatmadaw (Air) personnel.

The MTX-1A, equipped with a Cockpit Flight Display and Communication & Navigation System, completed its test flight successfully on March 25th, 2021. Using experiences from the MTX-1A, the MTX-1B was developed with advanced cockpit displays, communication systems and structural upgrades by Air Force personnel and successfully completed test flights in March 2024.

On the evening of December 14, the Senior General and his entourage toured commemorative booths displaying aviation history, uniforms from successive eras, historical photographs, images of former Commanders-in-Chief (Air), aircraft and helicopter models, avionics equipment and modern fighter aircrafts, gallantry medal recipients, photographs of international relations, development of Tatmadaw (Air), Commander-in-Chief (Air) awarding ceremonies and avionics equipment manufactured by the Tatmadaw (Air). They also explored souvenir shops, traditional food stalls, bookstores and consumer goods stores, displayed by various air bases.