Moe Aung Explained

Moe Aung (my|မိုးအောင်; in Burmese pronounced as /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]}

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

Moe 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.^[40]

Military career

Moe 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

Moe 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

• 2021–2023 Myanmar civil war
• State Administration Council
• Tatmadaw
• Myanmar Navy
• Myanmar Army

External links

• • Ministry of Defence - The Republic of the Union of Myanmar
• Myanmar National Portal

Notes and References

1. News: 24 April 2024 . NSA Doval Holds Productive Meeting with Russian Counterpart, Discusses Enhanced Bilateral Collaboration . Devdiscourse.
2. News: 26 July 2019 . Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of Myanmar visits Eastern Naval Command . Devdiscourse.
3. News: 1 July 2023 . Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane Visits Myanmar To Discuss Matters Relating To India’s Security With Country’s Senior Leadership . News on Air.
4. Web site: 23 July 2021 . Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Data on the Military Members of Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta . ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
5. Web site: UKyaw . 2021-02-04 . ဒုတိယ ဗိုလ်ချုပ်ကြီး မောင်မောင်အေး ကြည်း၊ ရေ၊ လေ ညှိနှိုင်းကွပ်ကဲရေးမှူး ဖြစ်လာ . 2023-02-19 . ဧရာဝတီ . my.
6. News: 31 March 2021 . Meeting With The Deputy Minister Of Defense Of Russia, This Is What The Leader Of The Myanmar Military Regime Discussed . VOI.ID.
7. Web site: Htet Myet Min Tun . 26 January 2022 . Myanmar’s State Administration Council: A Shell Entity . Fulcrum.
8. News: 25 April 2024 . NSA Ajit Doval meets Myanmar counterpart, discusses India-funded development projects amid continuing civil war . India News Network.
9. News: Ei Naing . 26 December 2022 . Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung receives Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russian Navy . Myanmar Transparency News.
10. News: 26 December 2022 . Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung Receives a Delegation Led by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russian Navy Vice Admiral Igor Mukhametshin . infosheet.org.
11. News: 24 April 2024 . Regional Meeting: Myanmar delegation leaves for Russia . Myanmar International TV.
12. News: SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing inspects progress of Myanma Tharkaung War Veterans Housing (Laydauntkan) . Myawady Webportal.
13. News: 13 July 2017 . C-in-C of Myanmar Armed forces on 3-day visit to ENC . Deccan Herald.
14. News: 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.
15. News: Agga Aung . 31 May 2022 . How Myanmar’s Junta Chief Grabbed His ‘Other’ Inya Lake Home . The Irrawaddy.
16. News: 1 March 2023 . India supplies weapons parts to Myanmar junta, undermines sanctions . Myanmar Now.
17. Web site: 29 May 2023 . Commander-in Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung inspects naval bases in Sittway . Ministry of Information (Myanmar).
18. News: 10 January 2024 . Myanmar junta removes navy chief, eastern command head . Narinjara News.
19. News: 22 April 2024 . As Losses Mount, Myanmar’s Junta Tightens Its Embrace of Russia . The Irrawaddy.
20. Web site: 13 July 2023 . Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Meets Military Personnel and Families from Sittwe and Kanni Stations . Ministry of Information (Myanmar).
21. News: Myanmar Navy Chief Transferred to National Security Advisor . 9 January 2024 . The Irrawaddy . en.
22. News: 21 June 2021 . Myanmar Junta Chief Visits Moscow for Security Conference . The Irrawaddy.
23. News: 5 November 2023 . Myanmar, Russia discuss enhancement of friendly relations and cooperation between two navies . Eleven Media Group.
24. News: Aung Thit . 11 October 2023 . A Corrupt Business Empire Thrives Under the Junta . The Irrawaddy.
25. News: 11 December 2023 . Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla console injured Tatmadaw members, police members. Myanmar Digital News.
26. Web site: 16 December 2023 . 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.
27. News: 4 November 2023 . Myanmar/Russia: Commander-in-Chief (Navy) welcomes his counterpart . Myanmar International TV.
28. Web site: 2 March 2023 . Moe Aung. OpenSanctions.
29. News: 23 May 2023 . Burma Navy included in ASEAN meeting . DVB Burmese.
30. News: 28 April 2024 . Meeting on security issues: Myanmar delegation attended the meeting . Myanmar International TV.
31. Web site: 14 June 2023 . Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Inspects Tatmadaw TV Broadcasting Unit (Hmawbi) . Ministry of Information (Myanmar).
32. Web site: 7 November 2023 . Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing welcomed with guard of honor of Russian Pacific Fleet by a delegation led by Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief, arrived in Myanmar to hold the 1st MYANMAR-RUSSIA MARITIME SECURITY EXERCISE (MARUMEX) . CINCDS Myanmar.
33. Web site: Min Zaw Oo . 24 October 2023 . Myanmar's Precipice: The Stalemate and Internal Strife Compelling the Military toward an Election . Center for Strategic and International Studies.
34. News: 4 November 2011 . Myanmar military telecom CFO shot dead in Yangon . Radio Free Asia.
35. Web site: 17 June 2020 . Systemic Conflict of Interest in Myanmar Military Allows for Serious Corruption . Justice for Myanmar.
36. News: 8 January 2024 . Order No. 4/2024: Appointment of new National Security Adviser . Myanmar International TV.
37. Web site: 18 January 2024 . National Security Adviser receives delegation led by Ambassador of India to Myanmar . Global New Light of Myanmar.
38. News: 8 January 2024 . Admiral Moe Aung Appointed Union Minister and Advisor; Vice-Admiral Zwe Win Myint Promoted to Navy Chief in Myanmar's Military Reshuffle . Yangon Media Group.
39. News: 10 January 2024 . Commander in Chief of the Defense Services (Navy) and some commanders transferred . cnimyanmar.com.
40. Web site: 15 October 2022 . SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attends choice of arms for 25th Intake of DSTA . Ministry of Information (Myanmar).
41. News: 6 July 2021 . Russian delegation made secret visit to Myanmar ahead of Min Aung Hlaing’s Moscow trip . Myanmar Now.
42. News: 27 August 2023 . Clearing false statements on uab bank . UAB (company).
43. Web site: Min Aung Hlaing makes himself military supremo for life . 2023-02-19 . . en.
44. News: 28 September 2022 . Ex-Myanmar Military Officers in Fear After Former General’s Assassination . The Irrawaddy.
45. News: 11 September 2023 . Myanmar Junta’s ‘Kickback King’ in Spotlight of Corruption Crackdown . The Irrawaddy.
46. News: 1 July 2023 . Amid crisis in Manipur, Defence Secretary visits Myanmar . The Hindu.
47. Web site: 1 July 2023 . Defence Secretary visits Myanmar; Discusses matters relating to India’s security with the country’s senior leadership . Press Information Bureau.
48. Web site: Myanmar/Burma: EU imposes sixth round of sanctions against 9 individuals and 7 entities . 2023-02-21 . www.consilium.europa.eu . en.
49. Web site: EUR-Lex - 32023D0380 - EN - EUR-Lex . 2023-02-21 . eur-lex.europa.eu . en.
50. News: 2 December 2021 . Myanmar Companies Linked to Regime Leaders Bid to Acquire Telenor . The Irrawaddy.
51. Web site: 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.
52. Web site: Manatū Aorere . 1 February 2024 . Implementation of further travel bans on individuals in Myanmar with responsibility for Myanmar crisis . New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade.
53. Web site: 12 April 2024 . National Security Adviser SAC Chairman Office 4 Union Minister receives Chinese Ambassador . Global New Light of Myanmar.
54. News: 7 November 2023 . Departure of delegation: Russian delegation led by C-In-C of Russian Navy left Yangon . Myanmar International TV.
55. Web site: 19 January 2024 . Union Minister Admiral Moe Aung Receives a Delegation led by H.E. Mr. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Myanmar . infosheet.org.
56. News: 9 January 2024 . Myanmar Navy Chief Transferred to National Security Advisor . en.
57. News: 13 July 2017 . Myanmar delegation on a 3-day visit to ENC . The Hindu.
58. News: 24 February 2023 . More international sanctions on Myanmar’s junta, as airstrikes, arrests keep country on edge . Peoples Dispatch.
59. News: Nayanima Basu . 24 April 2024 . NSA Doval Meets Myanmar NSA In Russia, Talks Focus On Civil War Impact On Border Areas, Projects . ABP Live.
60. News: 11 May 2023 . Myanmar Navy Chief joins 17th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting online . Myanmar National Portal.
61. News: 13 January 2022 . Myanmar military replaces air force chief amid bombing campaign . Al Jazeera News.
62. News: Ei Naing . 9 January 2024 . Vice-Admiral Zwe Win Myint Promoted to Navy Chief in Myanmar’s Military Reshuffle . Myanmar Transparency News.
63. News: Htet Myet Min Tun, Moe Thuzar, Michael J. Montesano . 4 August 2021 . Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes . Fulcrum Press.
64. News: Nirupama Subramanian . 11 August 2023 . Sanctioned Myanmar Minister Visited India to Study Aadhaar . The Wire (India).
65. News: 19 January 2024 . National Security Adviser Admiral Moe Aung Engages in High-Level Talks with Indian Ambassador Mr. Vinay Kumar . Eleven Media Group.
66. News: 2021-12-25 . COMMEMORATION CEREMONY: CEREMONY HELD TO HONOR 74TH ANNIVERSARY OF TATMATAW (NAVY) . MITV .
67. News: Moe . Wai . Ramzy . Austin . 2015-07-23 . U Aung Thaung, Burmese Politician Accused of Abuses, Dies at 74 . en-US . The New York Times . 2023-02-19 . 0362-4331.
68. News: 9 January 2024 . Admiral Moe Aung appointed as National Security Advisor . Eleven Media Group.