Burma has allocated K1.8tr ($2.04bn) for military expenditure, which coincides with the purchase of 20 Russian MiG-29 fighter jets.

The purchase forms part of Burmese Government plans to expand the Myanmar Air Force.

The MiG-29 acquisition is expected to double the size of the air force fighter aircraft fleet and follows the purchase of used MiG-29s from Belarus.

The additional 20 MiGs, purchased from Russian state exporter Rosoboronexport for an estimated $553m, will increase the Burmese military’s aerial capabilities.

A breakdown of the budget received by DVB shows that the military expenditure includes a K848bn ($9.6m) capital account dedicated to new investments or purchases.