Rangoon. China has again strengthened its presence in India’s neighboring country Myanmar by delivering six medium-range fighter aircraft to Myanmar. Myanmar’s army can use these planes to bomb rebels, while in recent days ethnic rebels have taken control of many big cities. Due to this situation, Myanmar’s army has intensified air strikes against the rebels, due to which a large number of civilians are being harmed.
Myanmar ordered the FTC-2000G aircraft in 2020. Delivery was delayed due to Covid pandemic and lockdown. In November 2022, the Myanmar Army received the delivery of six fighter aircraft in the first batch. With the delivery of the second batch of aircraft in August 2023, the training of pilots has also started.
The FTC-2000G is a light multirole trainer/combat aircraft designed by Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation. The aircraft is also in service with China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force and the Sudanese Army. This two-seat jet fighter is used for attack, training, aerial surveillance, patrol missions, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. It has the capacity to carry up to three tonnes of weapons and is primarily designed to conduct air strikes against ground targets.
According to analysts, the FTC-2000G aircraft has the ability to fly at low altitude, but its maximum altitude is 16 meters, which makes it vulnerable to portable surface-to-air missiles. China’s move is raising serious concerns for Myanmar’s political stability and regional security, while the Myanmar military’s crackdown against insurgents continues.