The military junta that rules Myanmar handed over six elephants to Russia and received six Su-30SME fighter jets from the Kremlin in return, French radio station RFI reported. The plane was delivered to the air force of the Asian country. This is another evidence of strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The elephant was transported on a Russian Antonov An-124 military plane and sent to the Moscow Circus, whose owner is one of President Vladimir Putin’s closest friends. Animals were collected from their natural habitat.
French broadcaster RFI reported that the elephant was part of a payment agreement for six Su-30SME fighter jets that the Asian country purchased from Russia seven years ago. The deal was only revealed last week and the planes will be delivered in three installments.
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Two of the aircraft will be delivered to Myanmar (formerly Burma) from 2022. The last one was delivered to the country’s capital Naypyitaw in December. The deal was personally supervised by military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.
Russia received a “gift” of six elephants from Myanmar. According to sources, these elephants are part of a deal that includes the acquisition of six Su-30SMEs. However, these claims remain speculative. There has been no official statement from either side regarding such barter. pic.twitter.com/ggizLDazTD
— WAZN (@waznblog) January 16, 2025
Myanmar is increasing cooperation with Russia. She got fighters and sent elephants
Transferring animals in exchange for flights is seen as an act of goodwill between the Myanmar and Russian states. This exchange coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “The Week” points out that in the former country, elephants are recognized as symbols of power and happiness.
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The Su-30SME is a direct version of the Su-30MKI in service with the Indian Air Force. Like them, it has an adjustable nozzle and can carry up to 8 tons of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Fighter jets supplied by Russia and China have become invaluable to Myanmar’s military, which is subject to Western sanctions.
The country has faced fierce resistance from rebel groups in recent months. Late last year, the military succeeded in taking control of most of Rakhine State, where the indigenous Rohingya population had been murdered for years. Myanmar is an important buyer of Russian weapons.
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