Maung Maung Aye

Maung Maung Aye (Burmese: မောင်မောင်အေး; pronounced [maʊɰ̃ maʊɰ̃ʔ]; born 1962) is a Burmese army general currently serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister of Defence of Myanmar since 18 December 2024. He was preceded in the role of Union Minister of Defence by General Tin Aung San. Prior to this, he served as the Chief of General Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force from February 2021 to 18 December 2024, succeeding General Mya Tun Oo and succeeded by Lieutenant General Kyaw Swar Lin. Maung Maung Aye played a critical role in the Myanmar military coup in February 2021, contributing to the ousting of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in 2019 and became a member of the State Administration Council on 25 September 2021, consolidating his position in Myanmar's military junta.

Born in Thanlyin, Myanmar on 1962, Maung Maung Aye joined the military at an early age, eventually becoming a key figure in the Myanmar Army's strategic command. He advanced quickly through the ranks, establishing a reputation for his organizational skills and military leadership. Over the years, he has held multiple important roles, including serving as a commander in the Myanmar infantry and heading various regional commands. His military career includes significant involvement in Myanmar’s military operations during various conflicts, particularly in the regions of Kachin, Shan, and Karen States. His leadership in these areas has been controversial, particularly due to allegations of human rights abuses and military violence, which have led to international sanctions against him. In addition to his military positions, Maung Maung Aye has cultivated strong diplomatic relations with countries like China, Russia, and India, while also facing condemnation from Western governments. Under his leadership, the military junta has been criticized for its continued suppression of pro-democracy movements and human rights violations, particularly the violent repression of protests in Myanmar.

In his personal life, Maung Maung Aye is described as a pragmatic and ambitious figure, with a reputation for being closely aligned with the policies and goals of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s top military leader. He has been heavily involved in Myanmar’s political machinery since 2011, and his ascent to the deputy defense minister position marked a significant step in his career. The Myanmar military's leadership under Maung Maung Aye’s influence has continued to engage in controversial actions, including the violent crackdown on peaceful protests in 2021 and the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians. His leadership has led to increased isolation for Myanmar, with many international organizations calling for accountability for the abuses carried out by the military during his tenure.