Burmese junta's elephant diplomacy: Jets for pachyderms
The Burmese military junta has given Russia six elephants in exchange for Su-30SME fighter jets. This transaction, part of the so-called elephant diplomacy, is causing controversy.
The Burmese military junta, which has ruled the country since 2021, made an unusual transaction with Russia by exchanging six elephants for six Su-30SME fighter jets.
According to the "Polish Press Agency," the animals, including five females and one male, were transported to Russia on board a military Antonov An-124 aircraft. They arrived at the Great Moscow Circus, whose owner has close ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Elephant diplomacy: What does it entail?
The handover of the elephants is part of the so-called elephant diplomacy, a strategy used by the Burmese junta to strengthen ties with foreign partners. Although this gesture may seem symbolic, sources from the "Polish Press Agency" suggest that the elephants were indeed a part of the payment agreement for Su-30SME fighter jets.
The agreement for the purchase of aircraft was made in 2018, with deliveries scheduled from 2022 to December 2024.
Su-30SME fighters crucial for the Burmese military
The Su-30SME is a variant of the Su-30MKI fighters used by the Indian Air Force. These aircraft feature thrust-vectoring nozzles and can carry up to 8,200 kilograms of weaponry.
For the Burmese military, under Western sanctions, supplies from Russia and China are crucial. In recent months, the junta has been facing resistance from rebel groups that have taken control of Rakhine State, where there was previously genocide against the Rohingya population.
The fighter jet contract also included a loan of 204 million dollars, which Russia extended to the Burmese junta. The transaction was overseen by Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader since 2021. The deliveries of the fighter jets were made in three batches, with two aircraft in each.
