Myanmar Commissions Largest Frigate

MYANMAR has commissioned their largest frigate and four multipurpose riverine combat vessels as well as a 40,000-tonne dry dock among other things. UMS King Thalun–the country’s largest indigenously built frigate at 135m length was commissioned after its launch in December 2024.

The ceremony was attended by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar’s ruling military government along with Myanmar Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Ye Win Oo, Myanmar Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Htein Win, Myanmar Air Force Commander-in-Chief Gen Tun Aung and other top brass.

The King Thalun completed more than 270 hours of sea trials over a period of more than one month, covering a distance of some 3,500 nautical miles. During these trials, standard performance tests were conducted, and the onboard equipment was evaluated to ensure it could be used according to prescribed standards.

Named after the country’s revered King Thalun, known for his role in suppressing internal threats and defending Myanmar from external threats and paving the way for the nation’s progress. With construction of the vessel beginning in March 2017, the completion of the vessel marks the largest ever undertaken by the Navy, equipped with advanced mechanical, electrical systems, stealth technology and cutting-edge armaments. Powered by a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion, the ship displaces 3,500 tonnes and is capable of maximum speeds of 30 knots.

The King Thalun is the lead ship in the Thalun-class frigates, improved from previous ship designs with enhanced air defence capabilities, radars and operational range. Its armaments reportedly include a 76mm naval gun , HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles (SAM), AK-630 close-in-weapon system (CIWS), Kh-35E anti-ship missiles (ASM), and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. Furthermore, its armaments include triple torpedo launchers for large depth charge launchers and 12.7mm heavy machine guns (HMG). The ship can also accommodate a helicopter along with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

A Myanmar Ministry of Information statement read, “The Naval Dockyard Command’s 40,000-tonne dry dock can construct large war vessels, and is capable of simultaneously building or repairing either one 40,000-tonne commercial ship or two large warships. It can also construct and repair large warships, cargo ships, and container ships, thereby enhancing the country’s maritime economic benefits and naval capacity, and providing substantial support for national development.

Additionally, several combat aircraft were reported to have been added into the Air Force’s inventory boost its air capacities according to state-run media. Though not specified, photos released by the state-run media suggest that the military received four jet fighters, including two Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft and what appeared to be two Chinese-made K-8W fighter aircraft.

State media reports cited the Senior General saying that the air force needs to be strong to “protect the state interest effectively.” Adding that the air force had demonstrated its capabilities in previous anti-insurgency and counterterrorism operations as well as missions to repel external aggression.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:AP, GOOGLE, MOI)