Fact Check: Most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military come from China or Russia.

Fact Check: "Most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military come from China or Russia."

What We Know

The claim that most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military come from China or Russia is supported by several reports indicating that the Myanmar Air Force relies heavily on military hardware from these two countries. According to a report, the Myanmar military has received multiple aircraft, including six Su-30 fighter jets from Russia, which were delivered as part of a contract signed in 2018 (source-2). Additionally, the military has been utilizing Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, although these have reportedly faced technical issues (source-2).

Moreover, a report highlights that the junta's military operations are increasingly supported by advanced drones and other military equipment sourced from both China and Russia, which have shifted the balance in their ongoing conflict with resistance forces (source-4). This reliance on foreign military hardware is further underscored by the fact that the junta has publicly expressed gratitude to Russia for its military support, indicating a strategic partnership between the two nations (source-8).

Analysis

While it is clear that Myanmar's military does indeed acquire a significant portion of its combat aircraft from China and Russia, the phrase "most combat aircraft" may require further scrutiny. The term "most" implies a majority, which could be misleading without precise data on the total number of combat aircraft in Myanmar's inventory. Reports indicate that the military has a diverse fleet, including aircraft from various countries, but the exact proportions of aircraft from China and Russia compared to other sources are not explicitly detailed in the available sources.

The credibility of the sources used in this analysis varies. Reports from established news outlets like the South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia provide a reliable overview of the situation, while less prominent sources may not have the same level of scrutiny or verification. For example, the report from Justice for Myanmar provides insights into the military's operational capabilities and foreign support, but it is essential to consider potential biases in reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues.

Overall, while the evidence supports the claim that a significant number of Myanmar's combat aircraft come from China and Russia, the lack of specific data on the total number of aircraft makes it difficult to definitively state that "most" are sourced from these countries.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military come from China or Russia is partially true. There is substantial evidence indicating that a significant portion of the military's aircraft is sourced from these nations, particularly with recent acquisitions of Russian Su-30 jets and ongoing reliance on Chinese JF-17s. However, without specific data on the total inventory of combat aircraft, the assertion that "most" are from these two countries cannot be conclusively verified.

Fact Check: Most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military come from China or Russia.