Deputy Minister for Defence Rear-Admiral Myint Nwe said on Tuesday, “We also want to possess submarines like our neighbours. And we will consider this matter after looking into the State’s budget situation.”

He was speaking at a press conference to review the current government’s performance after a year in power.

Rear-Admiral Myint Nwe said the armed forces needs specialised technical knowledge to operate submarines as well as training staff and ensuring that their health is at peak level.

“Our Navy has been considering adding submarines to the force. Former military leaders have also thought about it and the matter is being considered,” he said.

The deputy defence minister added that submarine technology was not beyond the nation’s reach.

“Submarines from India have come to our country since 2006 on study tours. Our officials accompanied them and studied the technology. There are officials who have had an introductory course on submarines in India.

“As a country with a coastline, it is the best if our country possesses submarines. The Navy should have them.

However, we cannot say whether they will be introduced or not. But the matter is being considered,” he said.

Rear-Admiral Myint Nwe added that the Myanmar armed forces is one that is constantly modernising itself with the budget that has been allocated by the Union government annually.

– Translation by Win Thaw Tar

Go Back