How Strong is the Myanmar Military? A Closer Look at the Tatmadaw

When it comes to military strength in Southeast Asia, Myanmar’s armed forces—known as the Tatmadaw—often fly under the radar. 

But despite the country’s political turmoil and economic isolation, the Tatmadaw remains a formidable force in the region. So, just how strong is the Myanmar military in 2025? Let’s break it down.

The Backbone: Manpower

Myanmar has one of the largest standing militaries in Southeast Asia. Estimates suggest the Tatmadaw consists of around 350,000 to 400,000 active personnel, including the army, navy, and air force. 

The bulk of these troops serve in the army, which is structured around infantry divisions, light infantry battalions, and several specialized units.

Conscription is not officially in place, but recruitment includes both voluntary enlistment and, in some cases, forced conscription—especially in conflict zones. 

The Tatmadaw also operates various people’s militias, who receive military training and can be mobilized quickly in emergencies.

Army Capabilities

The Myanmar Army (or Tatmadaw Kyi) is the dominant branch and plays a central role in both national defense and domestic politics. 

Its arsenal is a mix of old Soviet, Chinese, and locally manufactured equipment. Here’s what stands out:

• Armored Units: Over 1,000 tanks, including Chinese Type 69s, Type 85s, and some locally upgraded models.

• Artillery Power: A significant collection of towed and self-propelled artillery, as well as multiple rocket launchers.

• Small Arms: Predominantly Chinese and Russian-origin rifles, with some local production by Myanmar’s Defense Industries (DI).

• Guerrilla Warfare: Extensive experience in jungle warfare due to decades of conflict with ethnic insurgent groups.

While the army’s tech is outdated compared to global standards, its operational experience in asymmetric warfare gives it a unique edge.

Air Power: Myanmar Air Force

The Myanmar Air Force (MAF) has grown more capable in recent years, especially after receiving modern aircraft from China and Russia.

• Combat Aircraft: The fleet includes MiG-29s, J-7s, K-8 Karakorums, and more recently, Su-30SME multirole fighters from Russia.

• Helicopters: Myanmar operates Mi-17 transport helicopters and armed Mi-35 attack helicopters.

• Drones: Recent reports suggest Myanmar has acquired Chinese-made drones like the CH-3A, and is exploring indigenous drone development for reconnaissance and strike missions.

The air force’s weaknesses lie in limited radar coverage, pilot training, and air defense integration, but in regional terms, it’s still a credible force.

Naval Strength

Myanmar has a modest navy (Tatmadaw Yay) primarily focused on coastal defense and riverine operations.

• Fleet Composition: About 130 vessels, including corvettes, fast attack craft, patrol boats, and landing ships.

• Modernization Efforts: The navy is slowly modernizing, with support from China and India. It launched its first submarine, a former Indian Navy Kilo-class boat, in 2020.

• Strategic Reach: Limited blue-water capability, but strong enough to deter maritime insurgency and safeguard the coastline.

Domestic Defense Industry

Myanmar has invested in building a self-reliant defense industry. The Defense Industries (DI) department produces small arms, light vehicles, and even naval craft. 

While the quality doesn’t match international standards, it helps maintain basic supplies during sanctions and arms embargoes.

Experience and Doctrine

One of the Tatmadaw’s biggest strengths is its operational experience. Since independence in 1948, Myanmar’s military has been almost constantly engaged in internal conflicts, fighting ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and insurgents. 

This has shaped a military doctrine focused heavily on counterinsurgency, mobility in rough terrain, and maintaining control over strategic towns and infrastructure.

But this focus comes at a cost: conventional warfare capabilities against a modern state military are limited.

Challenges and Weaknesses

Despite its size and experience, the Myanmar military faces serious limitations:

• Outdated Equipment: Much of the hardware is second-hand and poorly maintained.

• Training Gaps: Training standards vary widely, especially between elite units and regular infantry.

• Political Fallout: The 2021 military coup and ensuing civil unrest have damaged morale, legitimacy, and the economy.

• International Sanctions: Arms embargoes restrict access to high-tech weapons, spare parts, and maintenance support.

The rise of the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)—civilian militias fighting against the junta—has also stretched Tatmadaw resources thin and exposed vulnerabilities in logistics and intelligence.

Final Thoughts: A Tough but Tired Force

So, how strong is the Myanmar military?

It’s strong enough to maintain internal control in many regions, especially with air and artillery superiority. It’s also capable of limited external defense. 

However, it’s not a modern, tech-driven force like Singapore’s or even Thailand’s. The Tatmadaw’s strength lies in its size, experience, and control over the state machinery, but its lack of modernization, poor international standing, and growing internal resistance are key weaknesses.

In the long run, Myanmar’s military strength will depend not just on weapons or numbers, but on whether it can navigate the country’s deep political crisis and regain legitimacy, both at home and abroad.