NAYPYITAW, March 26, 2026

Vice Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Vice Senior General Soe Win, has confirmed that leadership changes within the military (Tatmadaw) will take place following the conclusion of the 81st Armed Forces Day ceremonies.

The announcement was made on the afternoon of March 26 during a ceremony held at the Bayinnaung Villa in Naypyitaw, where respects were paid to retired senior military officers ahead of the 81st Armed Forces Day.

Vice Senior General Soe Win stated that regardless of who assumes leadership, the military will steadfastly continue to follow the guidance of its successive leaders and mentors, adhering strictly to established military doctrines and policy guidelines.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the military will continue to faithfully discharge its primary duty of national defense and will work collaboratively, hand-in-hand, in accordance with the policies of the state government.

Attending on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Vice Senior General Soe Win and his wife were joined by Commission Secretary and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Ye Win Oo and his wife, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy, and Air) General Kyaw Swar Lin and his wife, alongside other senior officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief. They paid respects on behalf of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air) families to 18 retired senior military officers and 9 of their spouses, totaling 27 honored attendees.

During the ceremony, Vice Senior General Soe Win also addressed the ongoing political transition. He disclosed that a president and vice presidents will be elected in the coming days, leading to the emergence of a new democratic government to which state responsibilities will be formally transferred.

Speaking on behalf of the honored retirees, former President General Thein Sein (Retired) delivered a speech of gratitude. He highlighted that as the upcoming democratic government strives to better the nation, enforce the rule of law, and elevate the public's socio-economic livelihoods, national stability and peace remain fundamental prerequisites. Consequently, he underscored the critical role of the military and urged the armed forces to continuously strive for excellence and high operational capability to fully execute their national defense and security duties.

Following the formal addresses, Vice Senior General Soe Win and the attending senior officers personally and respectfully presented honorary gifts to the retired senior officers and their wives, concluding the event with commemorative group photographs.

#ymg/knl