Six elephants sent to Russia in exchange for Su-30SME fighters to Myanmar? Reports suggest unusual agreement

A few days ago, Russia reportedly delivered six Su-30SME multirole fighter aircraft to Myanmar Air Force under a $204 million contract signed in 2018.

Developed as an export variant of the Su-30SM, Su-30SME is a twin-engine, two-seat aircraft manufactured by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, featuring advanced capabilities for air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.

Now, unconfirmed reports emerge that the delivery of the fighter jets coincided with the delivery of six elephants—five female elephants and one male—to Russia’s Great Moscow State Circus.

This was part of the "elephant diplomacy” strategy of Myanmar, as the delivery marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Although this may be a symbolic gesture as elephants are seen as a symbol of power and good fortune in Myanmar, some reports suggest that this was done as part of the payment agreement for the fighter jets.

"Personally overseen by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, the elephant donation comes in exchange for six SU-30 fighter jets, which were delivered to Myanmar this year worth $400 million, a deal financed by a Russian loan," a report in the Radio France Internationale read.

It is to be noted that there is no official confirmation or concrete evidence to support these claims. Besides, according to Russian news agency TASS, the contract is worth around $204 million.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was seen feeding the elephants in a photograph.