Annual defense budget: $2.84bn 

Defense spending trend: Up 27% in 2002

The military authorities have steadily increased the country's military power, doubling the size of the army and obtaining modern weapons and military technology from around the world, primarily from China, which since 1989 has delivered arms worth over $1 billion to Burma, including tanks and jet fighters.

Burma's growing military capability is used mainly to control internal dissent, and the army has suppressed most ethnic insurgent campaigns by utilizing its military superiority and cutting numerous deals with rebel leaders. The remaining militant groups are now combated in cooperation with neighboring states. The army is accused of human rights abuses and of forcibly recruiting underage soldiers.

BURMESE ARMED FORCES

Army
		100 main battle tanks (PRC Type-69II)		350,000 personnel
Navy
		75 patrol boats		16,000 personnel
Air force
		123 combat aircraft (50 F-7, 10 FT-7, 10 MiG-29, 22 A-5M)		15,000 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004