Launching of 135-meter frigate: SAC Chairman C-In-CDS attended the occasion

Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presided over the naming and launching of a 135-meter frigate with a ceremony at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Thanlyin Township on Tuesday.

The newly launched frigate, a symbol of Myanmar's growing naval power, was constructed by Myanmar’s Tatmadaw (Navy) in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Tatmadaw (Navy). Also present at the ceremony were the retired Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and wife, Union-level dignitaries and their wives, Union Ministers and their wives, the Yangon Region Chief Minister and wife, along with other concerned officials and invited guests.

First, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win provided a briefing on the construction and details of the 135-meter frigate. Following the briefing, the naming ceremony proceeded in a grand manner as Senior General Min Aung Hlaing designated the newly launched frigate as "King Thalun."

The name pays tribute to King Thalun, a revered historical figure known for his role in suppressing internal threats, defending the nation from external adversaries and laying the foundation for Myanmar’s progress. The frigate's launching ceremony was conducted in line with naval customs and traditions.

During the event, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing smashed a bottle of champagne to officially inaugurate the ship, while the Tatmadaw Navy Band performed in celebration of the momentous occasion. After that, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) presented a model of the warship and a golden axe, traditionally used to launch the frigate, to the Senior General as a commemorative gift.

The Senior General then warmly greeted the military officers and other ranks involved in the warship's construction, presenting them with baskets of fruit, followed by a group photo session.The Senior General and party then observed the commission of the 135-meter frigate into service from the Ship Lift Platform.

The construction of the 135-meter frigate "King Thalun," completed by the Tatmadaw (Navy), commenced in March 2017 under the guidance of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services.

This frigate is the largest ever constructed by the Tatmadaw (Navy), fully equipped with advanced hull, mechanical, electrical and weapon systems, meeting the demands of a modern warship.  The ship's technical specifications include a length of 135 meters, a width of 14.5 meters, a height of 9 meters, and a depth of 4.1 meters. With a full load of 3,500 tons, it can reach a speed of 30 knots per hour.

Designed to serve the goals and responsibilities of a 21st-century navy, the "King Thalun" is capable of frontline defense and combat against both conventional and unconventional threats in Myanmar territorial seas. Its duties include patrolling, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, protecting national territorial waters, controlling maritime boundaries and conducting humanitarian search and rescue operations. The completion of this advanced warship enhances Myanmar's ability to safeguard its maritime interests and strengthen security in the region.