A Growing Tatmadaw

By Aung Zaw MARCH, 2006 - VOLUME 14 NO.3

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(Page 6 of 10)

It is likely that, even under a democratic government, elected leaders will adopt a similar stance as the current military government on the need for a well-trained and well-equipped national army.

Where a democratically elected government will differ from Burma’s current leaders, however, is on the crucial issue of refurbishing the image of the country’s armed forces. No more will they be the pawns of despots, charged principally with perpetuating a military state and subjugating the civilian population.

And if democracy is ever to thrive on Burmese soil, the country needs to establish a truly professional and volunteer army, led by civilians and charged with protecting the national interests of all Burma’s citizens, rather than enforcing the political policies of a ruling elite.

The Army

The army represents the backbone of the Tatmadaw (armed forces), comprising the largest number of personnel among the three services. Its growth over the course of more than a decade has been effected by the introduction of new units—such as light infantry divisions—expanded armor divisions and artillery forces, and engineering battalions.

As its numbers have expanded, so has its presence throughout the country. Numerous ceasefire agreements brokered during former prime minister Khin Nyunt’s tenure facilitated a much larger presence for the military in Burma’s numerous ethnic regions. In Shan State alone, the number of battalions has increased from 40 to 200 in the last 18 years; while in Kachin State, new artillery battalions have been deployed to neutralize local insurgent groups.

Lacking in the Burmese army of the pre-1988 era were reliable military hardware and vehicles. Burma has acquired new weapons systems from numerous countries, including India, Singapore, Pakistan, North Korea, Ukraine and Israel—to name only a few. The country’s principal supplier, however, has been China. Armored personnel carriers and light all-terrain vehicles have also been imported from Japan.

Arms and equipment from Western nations have also found their way into Burma, usually through third parties, and despite international arms embargoes against Rangoon. In 2004, Ukraine supplied the army with 50 BTR-3U light armored personnel carriers, as part of a much larger deal. This followed the purchase of 50 T-72 tanks a year earlier.

In 2003, Burma purchased eighty 75mm howitzers from India, which is thought also to have supplied significant quantities of mortar and artillery rounds. The Burmese army has also acquired various anti-aircraft installations, shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.

In addition, the army has bolstered its communications network. Radio and electronic surveillance systems have been installed at operational and tactical levels.

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