Moe Aung (Burmese: မိုးအောင်; pronounced[mòáuɴ]; 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 AdmiralTin 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.[21][40]
Moe Aung during a ship visit to Russian Navy Destroyer Admiral Vinogravdov on 20 May 2016
Military career
Admiral Moe Aung (right) with Senior GeneralMin Aung Hlaing (center) and a high-level delegation visiting INS Satpura in February 2014
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]
.jpg)
