North Korea is also reported to be involved in the construction of a nuclear reactor in
Burma.
Pakistan
One of the main suppliers of ammunition for artillery, mortar and small arms to Burma, Pakistan has also delivered five thousand 120mm mortars, rocket launchers, recoilless rifles and machine guns. |
Russia
Russia has sold Burma MiG-29 jet fighters, training planes and assault helicopters in addition to radar and communication equipment. Moscow has also helped construct a nuclear reactor in Burma, and is reported to be training Burmese military personnel in nuclear science. |
Serbia
Apart from buying twelve G-4 aircraft from Serbia, Burma is believed to have signed an agreement for the delivery of an undisclosed number of self-propelled howitzers. |
Singapore
The island state has assisted Burmese military research and development programs, and the state-owned Chartered Industries of Singapore is building a military facility for manufacturing small-caliber ordnance. Singapore also supplies Burma with anti-aircraft weapon systems, ammunition, medium-size and small arms. |
Ukraine
Fifty T-72 tanks are among the military equipment supplied to Burma by Ukraine. Rangoon has reportedly also acquired air defense equipment and components for 1,000 BTR-3U light armored personnel carriers from the former Soviet republic. |
Yugoslavia The former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia supplied Burma with 12 SOKO G-4 Super Gale ground assault aircraft and provided training for Burmese air force personnel. Burma's navy also received PB-90 coastal patrol boats and tactical training. |
In contrast to the military government’s weak coastal and air defenses, the Burmese army gained a reputation as one of the toughest guerrilla forces in the region, second only to Vietnam. The army had gained years of experience in a jungle warfare campaign against insurgents. Their skills in urban warfare, as well, were later honed during a series of nationwide uprisings and student protests that culminated in the bloody crackdown in 1988.