Myanmar junta Buys FTC-2000G Fighter Jets From China

The Myanmar junta ordered several FTC-2000G midrange fighter jets from China_ a major arms supplier to the Southeast Asian nation.

The Irrawaddy report that a group of approximately eight Air Force pilots_ eight technicians and at least two armaments officers traveled to China via Kunming in June.

China has strict COVID-19 regulations and the Myanmar personnel had to go through quarantine in Kunming. The pilots are known to fly the F-7 interceptor_ A-5 bomber and K-8 W trainer and light attack jet for the Myanmar Air Force.

The new jet fighters will replace the Myanmar Air Force's aging F-7s and A-5s. Once they are delivered they are expected to be based at Namsang airbase in Shan State_ according to sources familiar with the purchase.

It is not yet known when the agreement was reached between Beijing and Naypyitaw. The purchase of Chinese jet fighters may have begun in 2020_ but delivery and pilot training were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and China's strict policy on containing the disease.

The FTC-2000G is an advanced light multi-role trainer/combat aircraft designed and manufactured by Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation (GAIC) under the supervision of Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense firm Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

It is the export variant of the Guizhou JL-9 trainer/combat aircraft_ which is in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the People s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

The two-seat jet fighter has training capabilities with attack and fighting capabilities in combat. The cost of the jet fighter is around 8.5 US dollar million.

It can be used to perform pilot flight training_ aerial surveillance_ patrol missions_ reconnaissance_ electronic warfare_ close-in air support and air escort missions.

In April 2020_ news emerged in Cambodia and in China's Global Times that China planned to sell the aircraft to an undisclosed Southeast Asian country. It did not say how many units were to be sold_ stating only that the deal was signed in January 2020 and that deliveries would start in early 2021 and be completed after two years.

The reports identified Cambodia and Myanmar as potential buyers_ as both countries are closely aligned with China_ both militarily and politically.