Moe Aung (Burmese: မိုးအောင်; pronounced [mò áuɴ]; born 1970) is a Burmese naval admiral who currently serves as the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Navy.[1][2][3][4] He was appointed to this position following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'etat, succeeding Admiral Tin Aung San, who transitioned to a role of the State Administration Council (SAC), the military junta.[5][6][7][8] As Commander-in-Chief, Moe Aung has overseen significant modernization efforts within the Myanmar Navy.[9][10][11] His leadership has facilitated the acquisition of advanced naval assets, including new submarines, which have been crucial in enhancing Myanmar’s maritime defense capabilities.[12][13][14] His tenure has focused on upgrading the navy's operational and strategic assets to improve its effectiveness.[15][16] Moe Aung has played a key role in expanding the navy’s officer training programs, aimed at developing the skills and expertise of naval personnel.[17][18] He has also been crucial in establishing strategic international partnerships with countries such as India and Russia.[19][20]
Moe Aung | |
---|---|
မိုးအောင် | |
Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Navy | |
In office February 2021 – January 2024 | |
Leader | Min Aung Hlaing |
Preceded by | Tin Aung San |
Succeeded by | Zwe Win Myint |
National Security Advisor to the State Administration Council | |
Assumed office 7 January 2024 | |
Preceded by | Yar Pyae |
Personal details | |
Born | 1970 Burma (now Myanmar) | (age 54)
Spouse | Aye Khine Nyunt |
Parent |
|
Alma mater | Defence Services Academy |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Myanmar |
Branch/service | Myanmar Navy |
Years of service | 1988–present |
Rank | Admiral |
In January 2024, Moe Aung was appointed National Security Advisor on the State Administration Council, while his chief of staff, Zwe Win Myint, assumed the role of commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Navy.[21][22][23][24] In his role as National Security Advisor, Moe Aung oversees the formulation and implementation of Myanmar’s national security policies and coordinates defense strategies.[25] His role is pivotal in shaping Myanmar’s security framework and addressing key defense issues. His leadership has been central to the modernization and strategic realignment of Myanmar’s naval and defense sectors, marking a significant period of transformation in the country’s military capabilities.
Early life and education
editMoe Aung was born in 1970 in Myanmar. He graduated from the 28th intake of the Defence Services Academy, a premier military academy in Myanmar that trains future leaders of the armed forces.
Moe Aung's father, Aung Thaung, was a prominent figure in Myanmar's military and political landscape, holding a high-ranking position within the Burmese military. Aung Thaung's influence extended beyond the military, contributing significantly to the family's business interests in Myanmar.[26][27][28]
The Aung Thaung family has substantial business interests in the country.[29][30] Notably, they have holdings in United Amara Bank (UAB), a significant financial institution in Myanmar.[31][32] This involvement reflects the family's broad impact on both the economic and political spheres of the country.[33][34][35]
Moe Aung also holds positions on the boards of directors for Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC).[36][37] Both of these entities are military-owned conglomerates with substantial influence over Myanmar's economic sectors.[38][39] In February 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on MEHL and MEC due to their involvement in human rights violations and atrocities, reflecting ongoing concerns about the role of military-affiliated businesses in Myanmar's broader socio-political context.[21][40]
Military career
editMoe Aung graduated from the 28th intake of the Defence Services Academy, a premier military academy in Myanmar that trains future leaders of the armed forces.[41][42] His education and training there provided him with a solid foundation in military strategy and leadership, which he would later apply in his various roles within the Myanmar Navy.[43][44][45] On 20 February 2023, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Moe Aung in response to allegations of human rights violations and actions undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar.[46][47] These sanctions were part of a broader set of measures aimed at individuals and entities associated with the military junta in Myanmar, reflecting concerns over the impact of the military's actions on civilian populations and governance.[48][49][50]
On 8 January 2024, Moe Aung was appointed as National Security Advisor to the State Administration Council (SAC), succeeding Lieutenant General Yar Pyae.[51][52] This appointment marked a significant elevation in his career, positioning him as a key figure in shaping Myanmar’s national security policies.[53][54] His selection was reportedly influenced by his success in procuring advanced naval equipment, such as submarines, and his role in arranging officer training exercises in international locations like India and Russia.[55][56] These accomplishments were seen as critical in enhancing the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of the Myanmar Navy.[57][58][59]
In January 2024, Moe Aung's chief of staff, Zwe Win Myint, assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Navy, following Moe Aung's appointment as National Security Advisor. [60][61][62] This transition marked a shift in the leadership structure of the Navy, with Moe Aung continuing to focus on national security issues while Zwe Win Myint took over the responsibilities of leading the naval forces.[63][64][65]
Personal life
editMoe Aung is married to Aye Khine Nyunt. The couple maintains a relatively private life outside of his military and governmental roles.[66][67][68]
See also
editReferences
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- ^ Ei Naing (26 December 2022). "Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung receives Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russian Navy". Myanmar Transparency News.
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- ^ "C-in-C of Myanmar Armed forces on 3-day visit to ENC". Deccan Herald. 13 July 2017.
- ^ Kyaw Kyaw (11 January 2024). "Commander in Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung was retired and replaced by Chief of Staff (Navy) Vice Admiral Zwai Win Myint. Changes were also made to some of the positions of regional commanders and division commanders". Tha Dinn.
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- ^ "Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attends commissioning of aircraft in commemoration of 76th Anniversary of the establishment of Tatmadaw (Air)". CINCDS Myanmar. 16 December 2023.
- ^ "Myanmar/Russia: Commander-in-Chief (Navy) welcomes his counterpart". Myanmar International TV. 4 November 2023.
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- ^ "Defence Secretary visits Myanmar; Discusses matters relating to India's security with the country's senior leadership". Press Information Bureau. 1 July 2023.
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- ^ Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/380 of 20 February 2023 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma
- ^ "Myanmar Companies Linked to Regime Leaders Bid to Acquire Telenor". The Irrawaddy. 2 December 2021.
- ^ "Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meets with officers, other ranks and families of Yangon Station". Myawady Webportal.
- ^ Manatū Aorere (1 February 2024). "Implementation of further travel bans on individuals in Myanmar with responsibility for Myanmar crisis". New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade.
- ^ "National Security Adviser SAC Chairman Office 4 Union Minister receives Chinese Ambassador". Global New Light of Myanmar. 12 April 2024.
- ^ "Departure of delegation: Russian delegation led by C-In-C of Russian Navy left Yangon". Myanmar International TV. 7 November 2023.
- ^ "Union Minister Admiral Moe Aung Receives a Delegation led by H.E. Mr. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Myanmar". infosheet.org. 19 January 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar Navy Chief Transferred to National Security Advisor". 9 January 2024.
- ^ "Myanmar delegation on a 3-day visit to ENC". The Hindu. 13 July 2017.
- ^ "More international sanctions on Myanmar's junta, as airstrikes, arrests keep country on edge". Peoples Dispatch. 24 February 2023.
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- ^ Htet Myet Min Tun, Moe Thuzar, Michael J. Montesano (4 August 2021). "Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes". Fulcrum Press.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Nirupama Subramanian (11 August 2023). "Sanctioned Myanmar Minister Visited India to Study Aadhaar". The Wire (India).
- ^ "National Security Adviser Admiral Moe Aung Engages in High-Level Talks with Indian Ambassador Mr. Vinay Kumar". Eleven Media Group. 19 January 2024.
- ^ "COMMEMORATION CEREMONY: CEREMONY HELD TO HONOR 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF TATMATAW (NAVY)". MITV. 25 December 2021.
- ^ Moe, Wai; Ramzy, Austin (23 July 2015). "U Aung Thaung, Burmese Politician Accused of Abuses, Dies at 74". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ "Admiral Moe Aung appointed as National Security Advisor". Eleven Media Group. 9 January 2024.