In a pre-election reshuffle of his military leadership, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing has appointed his personal aide Major General Moe Myint Swe as chief of the Directorate of Defense Industries (DDI), according to sources in Naypyitaw, the junta’s administrative capital.
Moe Myint Swe, a graduate of the Officer Training School (OTS)’s 23rd intake, most recently served as Min Aung Hlaing’s military aide. Analysts said his promotion to head the DDI, a strategically vital post overseeing the military’s weapons production, reflected the junta leader’s preference for loyal protégés over technically qualified officers.
His ascent to top-tier influence is considered unusual, given the military’s longstanding preference for Defense Services Academy graduates over OTS alumni in leadership roles.
Moe Myint Swe, whose low profile belies his powerful role in Min Aung Hlaing’s inner circle, has quietly emerged as one of the most influential figures within Myanmar’s military leadership since the 2021 coup. Though officially serving as an aide-de-camp since 2015 and, more recently, a military aide (the exact date of his appointment to that position is not clear), his role extends far beyond protocol, acting as a gatekeeper, confidant and strategic advisor to the junta chief.
“This is a classic case of placing a trusted aide in a crucial role,” said one military analyst. “It’s the first time someone from the OTS has reached this level. Normally, this post would go to a senior military engineer with relevant expertise, but in this case, loyalty apparently matters more than qualifications.”
Instead of relying on the official National Solidarity and Peace‑Making Negotiation Committee, Min Aung Hlaing dispatched Moe Myint Swe to the China‑brokered Haigeng peace meetings between the regime and ethnic rebels following Operation 1027, a sign of the regime leader’s trust in his aide’s ability to represent him on sensitive issues.
Brigadier General Tint Zaw Khine replaces Moe Myint Swe as military aide to Min Aung Hlaing.
Meanwhile, former DDI chief Lieutenant General Kan Myint Than has been retired from military service and placed on the military-proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party’s candidate list for the upcoming election, sources said.
The reshuffle also affects several other key posts. Central Command chief Major General Kyaw Ko Htike has been appointed Chief of Military Training, replacing Lieutenant General Htein Win, who now serves as Chief of Military Appointments, according to the sources.
Former Eastern Central Command chief Major General Myo Min Tun will take on dual responsibilities as Chief of Military Inspection and Auditor-General.
Changes have also been made within the Bureau of Special Operations (BSO). Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo has moved from BSO-1 to head BSO-5, while Lieutenant General Zaw Min Latt has shifted from BSO-5 to BSO-2. Lieutenant General Ni Lin Aung, formerly the chief of BSO-6, takes over BSO-1.
In the northern theater, Brigadier General Tin Min Latt—previously commander of the No. 21 Military Operations Command, which oversaw the Bhamo front against the Kachin Independence Army in Kachin State—has been appointed Central Command chief. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kyaw Naing Oo, commander of the 88th Light Infantry Division, has been reassigned as Eastern Central Command chief.
