Elephants for jets: Russia-Myanmar deal raises eyebrows
The Bulgarian Military service reports an unusual transaction between Russia and Myanmar. As part of a diplomatic gesture coinciding with the delivery of six Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets, the latter country was to present six elephants to the Kremlin—one for each plane.
The elephants were to be sent as a symbol of goodwill between the countries, and the gesture coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Myanmar, reports Bulgarian Military. Although the transfer of elephants appears to be a symbolic gesture, some reports suggest that the animals were part of the funding agreement for the six Su-30SME aircraft.
"Elephant diplomacy"
Radio France Internationale reports that five females and one male Indian elephant were transported from Myanmar to the Moscow State Circus by a Russian transport aircraft. According to the service, the animals were taken from their natural environment.
It is difficult to definitively determine whether the reports of "exchanging" elephants for Russian fighter jets are true. However, it is known that Russia and Myanmar engage in military cooperation. As part of this cooperation, in 2018, Myanmar signed an agreement to purchase Sukhoi Su-30SME fighters valued at approximately $400 million. The first two aircraft were delivered in March 2022 and officially entered service on December 15 of the same year. Two more were delivered in 2023, and the last two are expected in December 2024, finalizing the contract.
Russian Su-30SME fighter jets
The Su-30SME fighters are the export version of the Russian Su-30SM multirole aircraft, designed for international customers. It is a two-seater design, which increases operational efficiency in the air by dividing tasks between the pilot and the weapons operator. The aircraft's airframe is constructed in a canard layout, ensuring good manoeuvrability even at high angles of attack. The design utilizes composite materials and lightweight metal alloys, which reduce the aircraft's weight and improve its performance and durability.
The Su-30SME is powered by two AL-31FP engines with thrust vectoring, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of over 2,090 km/h, twice the speed of sound. The aircraft's range is estimated at about 2,995 km, but it can be further extended with in-flight refueling capabilities. The maximum operational ceiling for the Su-30SME is approximately 17,300 metres.
A key component of this machine's equipment is the Bars-R radar with a passive phased array antenna, enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple air and ground targets. This system is compatible with a wide range of armaments, including advanced air-to-air missiles such as the R-77 and R-27, and air-to-ground missiles like the Kh-29 and Kh-59, as well as guided bombs. The fighter can carry up to 8,165 kg of weaponry on 12 hardpoints, and its primary armament is a 30 mm GSh-30-1 automatic cannon.
