Myanmar Navy Receives First Shipment of Light Torpedos From India (Photos)

The Indian-made Advanced Light Torpedo (TAL) Shyena made its way to Myanmar for the first time in a July 12 delivery last week, according to The Diplomat.

In March 2017, Sputnik reported Myanmar inked a nearly $38 million deal with the Indian government in exchange for their first indigenous lightweight torpedo. The exact size of the TAL purchase was and still remains unknown.

"Export of the lightweight torpedoes would follow the earlier supply of sonars, acoustic domes and directing gear to Myanmar," S. Christopher, chairman of Indian’s Defense Research and Development Organization, said around the time of the report.

The TAL Shyena units delivered last week to Myanmar were constructed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a public sector enterprise under the administrative control of India’s Ministry of Defense.

Since the unveiling of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 “Act East” policy, India has been making moves to increase cooperation with neighboring East Asian allies to counterbalance China’s expanding influence in the region.

Another monumental coordination between India and Myanmar came about in December 2018, when a 78-member Indian delegation met with senior officials from Myanmar’s military in their first exchange program.

At the same time, a 120-member defense delegation was sent to India from Myanmar in a show of goodwill and diplomacy.