Efforts to build a modern Tatmadaw recalled

13 March 2026

 

The need was stressed to preserve the Tatmadaw’s noble legacy and further uphold and en-hance the prestige of both the Tatmadaw and the nation.

 

Although political governments are elected and appointed and will change accord-ing to their designated terms, Tatmadaw, in contrast, does not change in this way but continues to carry out its entrusted responsibilities consistently.

Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said so in expressing his re-views on endeavours to shape Tatmadaw to be a modern one from 2011 to 2025 and gave guidance at the Thabin Hall of Zeyathiri Beikman in Nay Pyi Taw yester-day afternoon.

In his address, the Senior General said that in serving the duties of the Command-er-in-Chief of Defence Services, he has continuously focused on the development and modernization of Tatmadaw, enhancing its capabilities, and fostering strong relations with foreign militaries to ensure Tatmadaw’s excellence.

He recounted that in building Tatmadaw to be a modern one, it is necessary not only to uplift the capabilities and capacities of infantry regiments and units but also those of Tatmadaw (Navy) and Tatmadaw (Air) and servicemen from the vari-ous corps.

The Senior General retold that during his tenure, he has allowed female military servants since 2014. So far, more than 5,000 female officers and other ranks at various corps are serving State defence duties diligently, keeping abreast of male Tatmadaw members.

To ensure the nation has adequate defence and security capabilities, the People’s Military Service Law, which was originally established in 1959 and revised in No-vember 2010, was enacted on 10 February 2024, giving it full legal authority and practical effect. Currently, the People’s Military Servants are actively fulfilling the nation’s defence responsibilities with dedication and effort. Their service to the country is officially recognized, and it is necessary to continue providing them with the support and entitlements they require.

He continued that efforts were made to enhance the education of Tatmadaw members by establishing Tatmadaw education schools and providing instruction to those with limited educational backgrounds, enabling them to attain higher levels of learning.

Arrangements have also been made to ensure that Tatmadaw members who have become incapacitated, families of those who have died or fallen in service, and re-tired Tatmadaw members can live well. War veterans’ housing has been provided according to regional areas. Across various regional military headquarters, there are 21 advanced and affordable housing sites, with over 6,800 completed units, more than 4,000 units under construction, and 870 units still being prepared for allocation as of 31 December 2025.

He added that he has also awarded honorary titles, medals, and certificates to Tatmadaw members and their family members who have selflessly served the na-tion and Tatmadaw, providing them with recognition commensurate with their contributions. Between 2011 and 2025, a total of over 110,000 Tatmadaw members received these honorary titles, medals, and certificates.

To ensure smooth transport of Tatmadaw supplies and convenient travel for Tatmadaw members and their families, Tatmadaw-owned locomotives and train carriages were provided, establishing an operational Tatmadaw railway system. In addition, upgrades were carried out at Tatmadaw tarpaulin plant, Tatmadaw leather plant, and Tatmadaw textile factory, enabling the production of necessary supplies for Tatmadaw members, including high-quality shoes and other essential items.

Regarding Tatmadaw (Navy), during his tenure as Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, the required naval vessels were constructed domestically, while addi-tional ships were procured from foreign countries as needed. In this process, the submarine fleet was also expanded, and the submarines Min Ye Thinkhathu and Min Ye Kyaw Htin were successfully commissioned for Tatmadaw use. Recently, the frigate King Thalun, constructed domestically based on its own design, be-came the largest of the ships built in the country. The ability to build such naval vessels domestically strengthens our nation’s control and defence over its territo-rial waters.

Regarding Tatmadaw (Air), during his tenure, the necessary aircraft and helicop-ters for the Tatmadaw (Air) were procured and supplied. This included both transport and combat aircraft and helicopters, which were provided and replen-ished annually as needed.

Joint military exercises involving Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) were successful-ly conducted. Training programmes for the whole Tatmadaw were expanded and implemented at various levels. Moreover, Tatmadaw’s literary departments were upgraded to enable the conferring of advanced academic doctoral degrees.

Leaders have to exercise good governance with a sense of responsibility and a fa-therly mindset. To make the living conditions of Tatmadaw members more com-fortable, the monthly allowance of K30,000 was increased three times between 2023 and 2025. Regarding morale, all Tatmadaw members must cultivate love for the country and uphold strong beliefs, upholding Our Three Main National Causes.

Although political governments are elected and appointed and will change accord-ing to their designated terms, Tatmadaw, in contrast, does not change in this way but continues to carry out its entrusted responsibilities consistently. Therefore, all Tatmadaw members are urged to uphold and advance the “noble legacy handed down, preserving the prestige of Tatmadaw and the nation”, as established by suc-cessive national leaders, with full dedication and commitment.

The Senior General, in his speech, expressed gratitude to and praised Commission Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice-Senior General Soe Win for his efforts serving the interests of the State and Tatmadaw while harmoniously joining hands with the Senior General during the 15 years.

Also present at the meeting were Commission Vice-Chairman and Defence Ser-vices Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Commission Secretary and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Ye Win Oo, Commission Member Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Gen-eral Tun Aung, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, and Tatmadaw members together with commanders of relevant military commands, commanders of relevant military headquarters of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and commander of operation commands through the video confer-ending. — MNA/TTA