Photo courtesy of The Irrawaddy

Military cooperation and arms sales remain the foundation of Myanmar's relationship with Russia, despite growing discussion of nuclear energy, infrastructure and trade projects, according to a new analysis by The Irrawaddy.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin recently described close military and military-technical cooperation with Myanmar, including naval exercises and port calls. The two countries also held the Myanmar-Russia Joint Exercise, known as TIGER-2026, in Naypyitaw in July.

Arms remain central

Myanmar is Russia's second-largest destination for arms exports, the analysis says. Its military operates Russian-made Mi-17 and Mi-38T transport helicopters, Mi-35P attack helicopters, MiG-29 fighters, Yak-130 light attack jets and Su-30SME aircraft.

Since the 2021 coup, Russia's share of Myanmar's arms imports has grown, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute data cited in the report. Deliveries since then have included Su-30SME fighters, helicopters and BRDM-2MS reconnaissance vehicles.

Nuclear and energy agreements

Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia eight times

28 August 2026 since the coup. Those visits have broadened cooperation into nuclear energy, space, digital technology, special economic zones and energy. A planned small nuclear power plant has been described by Putin as a flagship bilateral project.

In June, the countries signed a memorandum covering a power plant for the Dawei deep-sea port and special economic zone. Russian officials have also spoken of potential majority stakes for Russian companies in the project.

What it means for foreigners in Myanmar

For foreign residents, businesses and investors, the expanding relationship brings more attention to energy and infrastructure projects, but it does not remove the risks created by conflict, sanctions and political instability. Firms considering Myanmar-linked opportunities need to assess sanctions exposure, supply chains and security conditions carefully.

For travellers and residents, the underlying military relationship remains relevant because it affects the wider security environment, while major projects may take time to produce practical benefits for communities.

28 August 2026

The two faces of terrorism and evil genocide!!

Well Moscow, you are often judged by the company you keep.

A nuclear power station in a country that regularly has bad earthquakes about right, has a word with Japan on that one

No mention of all the small arms ect that are being sent to fight the war against a broad coalition of ethnic armed organizations and pro -democracy citizen militias.