Russian Fleet Docks in Yangon Ahead of Joint Exercises
Three warships from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet arrived at Thilawa Port in Yangon, Myanmar, on November 10, 2025, to commence the annual 'Marumex 2025' joint naval exercise with the Myanmar Navy. The Russian contingent includes the destroyer RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov (543), the corvette RFS Gremyashchy (337), and the fleet oiler Boris Butoma. This marks the third consecutive year for the 'Marumex' drills, which became an annual event in 2023.
Objectives and Scope of 'Marumex 2025'
The two-day exercise, scheduled for November 13-14, 2025, will take place in the Andaman Sea. According to a Russian Ministry of Defense news release, the primary goal is the 'comprehensive development and strengthening of naval cooperation, as well as working out issues of ensuring the safety of civilian navigation and maritime economic activity in the maritime areas of Southeast Asia'. The drills will encompass a range of activities, including:
- Joint command and control operations
- Searching for and tracking conventional enemy submarines
- Combat exercises utilizing artillery and torpedoes
- Counter-terrorism drills, simulating the freeing of a vessel seized by 'pirates'
High-Level Representation and Broader Context
The Russian delegation was welcomed by senior Myanmar naval officers, with Vice Admiral Aleksei Anatolievich Kilashko, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, present for an official visit. The flotilla is led by Captain 1st Rank Ulyanenko Aleksey. This joint exercise underscores the deepening military ties between Russia and Myanmar. Russia has emerged as a significant supplier of arms and diplomatic support to the Myanmar military, particularly following the 2021 coup in Myanmar and Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This cooperation highlights Russia's continued engagement in Southeast Asia and Myanmar's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities through international partnerships.
7 Comments
Leonardo
More Russian influence in Southeast Asia is the last thing we need. This will only escalate tensions.
Raphael
Myanmar has every right to conduct joint exercises with its allies. Sovereignty matters.
Michelangelo
It's understandable that nations want to strengthen their defense capabilities through joint training. However, the timing and participants of these drills, given the global political climate, raise legitimate concerns about regional stability and democratic values.
Raphael
While naval exercises can improve maritime safety and anti-piracy efforts, the deepening military ties between these specific nations are politically troubling. It sends a message of support to a regime with a questionable human rights record.
Donatello
The stated goals of protecting civilian navigation are laudable for any naval exercise. Yet, this particular partnership risks alienating other regional players and could be seen as an endorsement of authoritarian governance, complicating diplomatic efforts.
ytkonos
This is a deeply concerning development. Two authoritarian regimes cozying up is bad news for stability.
dedus mopedus
Myanmar undoubtedly needs to secure its maritime borders and benefit from naval training. However, aligning so closely with Russia, especially in the wake of recent global events, could lead to increased isolation and further complicate its standing on the world stage.