The Burmese Air Force (BAF) has acquired 50 Mi-24 helicopters and 12 Mi-2 armoured transport helicopters from Russia to fight insurgency in the country.

The Mi-24 fighter helicopters and the Mi-2s will be assembled at the flying training base in Meikthila before deploying in four squadrons at Magwe and Ela Air Bases.

The Mi-24 helicopters will help the air force conduct air strikes against infantry battalions in Burma’s ethnic areas.

The Mi-24 acquisition follows a request from BAF chief Lt-Gen Myat Hein to Russia to modernise Burma’s aging air force, according to the Irrawaddy.