NAYPYIDAW — Feb. 26, 2026 — Myanmar and Russia have agreed to significantly strengthen bilateral ties in space technology, with high-level discussions centering on the potential launch of a national satellite to serve Myanmar's public and national interests.

Acting President and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met with Mr. Dmitry V. Bakanov, Director General of Russia’s Federal Space Corporation (Roscosmos), on Thursday in the capital city of Naypyidaw.

According to an official government press release, the talks focused on expanding direct cooperation between Roscosmos and the Myanmar Space Agency. The two leaders discussed advancing Myanmar's utilization of space technology, improving satellite communications, and implementing robust plans for human resource development within the sector.

A key element of the dialogue was the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. To ensure the long-term growth of Myanmar's aerospace capabilities, both parties exchanged views on continuing to send Myanmar scholars and trainees to Russia to acquire advanced knowledge in aerospace engineering and satellite technology.

The leaders also highlighted recent successful upgrades to the Space Museum in Yangon, noting that the facility has drawn significant interest and active engagement from the country's youth. Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering aerospace awareness among the younger generation.

A Growing Aerospace Partnership

Thursday’s meeting builds upon several years of deepening technological and scientific collaboration between Naypyidaw and Moscow. The aerospace partnership gained significant momentum in September 2022, when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur region. During that milestone visit, he toured the Angara and Soyuz-2 rocket assembly complexes and initiated talks with Roscosmos leadership regarding technological assistance and satellite manufacturing.

Since then, the two nations have steadily integrated their aerospace development efforts. Myanmar engineers have actively participated in specialized training programs in Russia—such as those at Samara University—focusing on nanosatellite design, space mission analysis, and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). This collaboration was further cemented in September 2025 during another high-level visit to Russia, which resulted in formal agreements on civilian nuclear energy and outer space cooperation.

The meeting in Naypyidaw was attended by senior officials from both nations. Joining the Acting President were State Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, and other relevant officials. The Russian delegation included the Russian Ambassador to Myanmar, H.E. Iskander Azizov, the Deputy Director General of Roscosmos, and accompanying delegates.

Reported by knl/ymg