Myanmar junta’s Air Force graduates new pilots

Mizzima

The Myanmar junta announced on 22 January it has graduated a new intake of air force pilots, reinforcing the ranks of an arm that has come in for much criticism for the indiscriminate bombing of civilian targets as well as military as it claims to battle armed resistance across the country.

The ceremony for the graduates of the 87th intake of the Tatmadaw (Air) pilot training course took place in Meiktila, according to state media. Shante Air Base, the Air Force’s main pilot training facility, is located near Meiktila.

The event was overseen by Air Force chief General Zeya Kyaw Htin Sithu Tun Aung, who presented wings and awards to newly qualified pilots.