NAY PYI TAW April 26
The Diamond Jubilee of Directorate of Defence Industries was held at the local unit head-quarters in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area this morning, graced by Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.Also present together with the Senior General were Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htain Win, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, officials, retired members and officers and other ranks and of the directorate.
General Kyaw Swa Lin, Lt-Gen Teza Kyaw from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief(Army), Chief Officer of DDI Lt-Gen Kan Myint Than formally opened the Diamond Jubilee of DDI. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing unveiled the signboard of the Diamond Jubilee Day of DDI by pushing a button, followed by a group documentary photo session.
In his address, the Senior General said as regards the history of DDI, Crown Prince Kanaung tried to set up arm industries to face the possible armed aggression of British colonialists in the late Konboung period under the rule of King Mindon.
Hence, the country could establish industries that produced small arms, light and heavy artillery and shells, apart from coin factories, weaving factories, rice mills, indigo factories, and forging factories. Historical records say that the country even tested under water mines. After regaining independence in 1948, the country faced multicolor internal insurgency. Myanmar has a vivid history of the hardships the Tatmadaw had overcome in safeguarding independence and sovereignty together with the people in the early post-independence period. During the time, Tatmadaw leaders try to produce arms in the country. After the formation of the structure systematically on 26 April 1950, the DDI Day was set, and now it has reached its Diamond Jubilee.
As the DDI, under the motto “Power To The Forces,” we take pride in having successfully produced and supplied various military weapons and equipment to the Tatmadaw with full capability. We wish to express our recognition and honor to all past and present leaders, officers, soldiers, and staff who have served through the generations. Military weapons and equipment must prove their worth on the battlefield, and thus, we urge continued efforts across all sectors to enhance their quality and performance to the highest standards.
Additionally, as a remarkable achievement, on August 1, 2023, the DDI played a significant role in the construction and dedication of the world’s largest marble Buddha statue, the Maravijaya Buddha image. Officers and other ranks of the force were prominently involved in this extraordinary endeavor.
The State has been honoring individuals who have excelled and made significant contributions to the nation and the Tatmadaw in their respective fields by awarding distinguished titles and medals. Among those from the DDI , a total of 513 officers, other ranks, and staff have rightfully received national and military-level honours, titles, and certificates, for which we express our pride and joy.
Since its establishment along-side Myanmar’s independence, the DDI has played a crucial role throughout history in safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the Tatmadaw. Over the past 75 years, we urge the force to uphold its fine traditions and prestige, remain loyal to the nation and the Tatmadaw, and diligently carry out its duties.
Subsequently, the Chief of DDI presented a brief history of the force.
Following this, the Chief of DDI presented a commemorative gift to the Senior Generalfor the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the DDI Day. In return, the Senior General awarded commemorative funds for the occasion.
Afterward, the Senior General warmly greeted retired senior officers of the DDI who attended the event. Together with the attendees, he visited and observed the exhibition held in commemoration of the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the DDI Day.
