Comparing Military Strength: Myanmar Army vs. Bangladesh Army – Capabilities, Strategy, and Regional Influence

1. Historical Context and Evolution

• Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw):

• The Myanmar Army, or Tatmadaw, has historically been the most powerful institution in the country. Since Myanmar’s independence from British rule in 1948, the military has played a dominant role in national politics. The Tatmadaw controlled the government for decades following a 1962 coup, only relinquishing partial control after 2011, though it retained substantial influence.
• Its primary focus has been maintaining internal stability due to ongoing conflicts with numerous ethnic groups, including the Kachin, Karen, Shan, and Rohingya populations. These internal challenges shaped its focus on counterinsurgency and securing borders rather than large-scale external operations.
• Bangladesh Army:

• The Bangladesh Army was formally established in 1971 during the country’s war of independence from Pakistan. Since its birth through conflict, the army has maintained a critical role in defending Bangladesh’s sovereignty, particularly against threats from neighbors like Myanmar and India.
• Unlike the Myanmar Army, the Bangladesh Army has traditionally had less political control, though it has intervened in governance during periods of instability, such as in 1975, 1982, and 2007. The army focuses on border security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, and it has grown significantly in terms of international peacekeeping.

2. Organizational Structure and Manpower

• Myanmar Army:
  • The Tatmadaw is a large, centrally controlled force with an estimated 350,000 active personnel across its army, navy, and air force branches.
  • The army itself is highly structured, with divisions stationed around the country. Given the country’s internal conflict, most of its manpower is focused on maintaining internal control rather than preparing for external conflict.
  • Its leadership remains intertwined with political authority, especially under military juntas.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • The Bangladesh Army has about 200,000 active personnel, but it continues to grow under its modernization plan, known as “Forces Goal 2030.” The army has several divisions with a focus on infantry, mechanized infantry, armored, artillery, and special forces.
  • Bangladesh’s military command structure has a civilian oversight component, with more defined separation between military and political roles, compared to Myanmar.

3. Equipment and Military Hardware

• Myanmar Army:
  • Land Systems: Myanmar’s army is equipped with a mix of Soviet-era and Chinese equipment, including T-72, Type 59, and Type 69 tanks. It also operates armored personnel carriers (APCs) like the BTR-3U, and various artillery systems, including rocket launchers like the BM-21 Grad.
  • Aircraft: Myanmar’s air force has MiG-29 and JF-17 Thunder fighters (obtained from Pakistan in collaboration with China) and older J-7 and F-7 aircraft. Its air defense capability includes Russian-supplied Pechora and S-125 systems.
  • Naval Power: Myanmar has been enhancing its naval power, with the acquisition of submarines and frigates from countries like India and China to secure the Bay of Bengal coastline.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • Land Systems: Bangladesh has been investing in modernizing its land forces, with a fleet of MBT-2000 main battle tanks from China, Type 69 tanks, and newer armored vehicles. It has also enhanced its artillery capabilities, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles such as the FM-90.
  • Aircraft: Bangladesh operates Russian MiG-29 and Chinese J-7 fighters. Its recent efforts to acquire JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters and advanced drones aim to strengthen its air power.
  • Naval Power: Bangladesh is enhancing its naval capabilities with modern acquisitions like frigates, corvettes, and two submarines from China. These assets are crucial for protecting Bangladesh’s large maritime interests in the Bay of Bengal.

4. Training and Professionalism

• Myanmarhttps://thebdtoday.com/category/world/myanmar/ Army:
  • Training in Myanmar’s army emphasizes counterinsurgency and jungle warfare, given the country’s extensive history of internal conflict. The Tatmadaw is known for its hard-line tactics in conflict zones, often drawing international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses, especially during the Rohingya crisis.
  • The Myanmar military trains with China and Russia, which supply the bulk of its arms and technological assistance. The Tatmadaw’s effectiveness in conventional military operations has been questioned, as most of its engagements are against poorly equipped ethnic rebel groups.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • Bangladesh has developed a reputation for professionalism, especially in its UN peacekeeping missions, where it is one of the largest contributors. The army is trained in peace operations, counter-terrorism, and border security.
  • Training programs with countries like the United States, United Kingdom, China, and India provide Bangladesh with diverse military exposure. Bangladesh’s Special Forces, including the Para-Commando Brigade, are trained for high-risk counter-terrorism operations.

5. Strategic Focus and Doctrine

• Myanmar Army:
  • The primary focus of the Tatmadaw is maintaining internal control and stability. Myanmar has long dealt with ethnic insurgencies and has focused most of its resources on counter-insurgency efforts, border control, and internal security.
  • Myanmar’s foreign military doctrine is shaped by its relations with China and India, and it aims to maintain strategic autonomy. However, its foreign engagements are limited due to sanctions and international isolation.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • The Bangladesh Army’s doctrine is defensive, focusing on border defense (particularly with Myanmar and India) and maintaining internal security against terrorism and extremist threats.
  • Under the Forces Goal 2030 plan, Bangladesh is investing heavily in modernizing its armed forces, aiming for self-reliance in defense production and procurement. It also focuses on maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.

6. Regional and International Influence

• Myanmar Army:
  • Myanmar has faced international isolation, especially after the Rohingya crisis and the military’s role in human rights violations. Sanctions have restricted Myanmar’s ability to modernize its military, and its engagement is primarily with China and Russia.
  • Myanmar’s ability to project power regionally is limited, and its army is more focused on maintaining the status quo internally rather than expanding influence.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • The Bangladesh Army plays an active role in regional diplomacy and international peacekeeping. Bangladesh’s strategic location between India, China, and Myanmar places it in a unique position in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
  • Bangladesh is enhancing its defense ties with major powers, balancing relationships with China, India, and the US. Its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions further enhances its global image as a responsible military actor.

7. Border and Conflict Dynamics

• Myanmar Army:
  • Myanmar’s army has frequent border skirmishes with insurgents and even some tension with Bangladesh over the Rohingya refugee crisis. This has led to a strained relationship, with both sides reinforcing troops along the border.
• Bangladesh Army:
  • Bangladesh faces border disputes with Myanmar, particularly regarding the treatment of Rohingya refugees. However, the Bangladesh Army maintains a defensive posture and focuses on diplomatic solutions while keeping its forces ready for any spillover from Myanmar’s internal conflicts.

Conclusion

While both the Myanmar Army and Bangladesh Army share some similarities in terms of geographical focus and military equipment sources, their strategic objectives and roles differ greatly. Myanmar’s military is geared towards internal suppression and maintaining control over a fragile state with multiple internal insurgencies. In contrast, Bangladesh is focused on modernizing its military for external defense, participating in international peacekeeping, and securing its maritime boundaries.

Bangladesh’s modernization efforts and strong international engagements, particularly through peacekeeping missions, give it a more robust international presence compared to Myanmar’s largely inward-looking military structure.