Myanmar’s Military Eyes Overseas Weapons Sales

By Htet Naing Zaw 19 November 2019

NAYPYITAW – Myanmar’s military has the potential to sell weapons overseas in the future, said its spokesman, Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun.

The military showcased domestically manufactured arms at the Defense and Security Exhibition 2019 being held in Thailand, which reportedly attracted considerable interest. It is the first time the military has showcased its weaponry overseas.

Major exporters like the US generate large sums from the arms trade and Myanmar could follow their example, said the military spokesman.

“If there are official government-to-government or military-to-military purchases, we will be able to sell in line with official procedures. This will generate additional income for our country,” said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

He said the military showcased assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, sniper rifles and mortars at the exhibition.

“We heard that our weapons drew considerable interest and attracted large numbers of visitors,” said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

The military joined the exhibition to show that it can manufacture its weaponry, he said.

The navy has built frigates and is also reportedly planning to purchase a submarine from Russia.