The military council has hastily constructed a new airfield in Shwetaung Township, Bago Region, to counter the ongoing offensive operations by the Arakan Army (AA), with military aircraft already beginning test flights at the facility. The new airfield is located in the border area between Shwetaung and Thegon townships and is intended to serve as a major base for the military council’s air operations. Sources indicate that the airfield construction began several months ago and has now reached operational capability for aircraft takeoffs and landings.
The new airfield complex includes direct road connections to the Yangon-Pyay highway and is heavily fortified with artillery units and infantry battalions providing security around the perimeter. The facility is situated in close proximity to the military council’s 66th Division and is also near the Pyay oil field area. Local sources report that nighttime flight operations have already commenced at the newly constructed runway, which was built in an area that previously had no aviation infrastructure. The rapid development of this airfield demonstrates the military council’s urgent response to the AA’s advancing offensive operations in the region.
The Arakan Army has been advancing through the Thandwe road corridor into Bago Region, successfully capturing the Mohtee Taung outpost on January 26 and the Nyaungkyoe military base on March 14. Following these tactical victories, the AA’s military operations have shown potential for deeper penetration into Bago Region. This strategic situation has prompted the military council to expedite the construction of the Shwetaung airfield to facilitate rapid reinforcement capabilities and conduct air strikes. Military analysts suggest that the new airfield is crucial for the military council’s efforts to counter the AA’s expanding presence in the region and maintain air superiority over the contested areas. The facility’s location and rapid construction highlight the military council’s growing concerns about the AA’s advancing forces and their need to establish stronger defensive positions in the region.
