Moe Aung

Moe Aung (Burmese: မိုးအောင်; pronounced [mò áuɴ]; born 1966) is a Burmese naval admiral who currently serves as the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Navy. He was appointed to this position following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'etat, succeeding Admiral Tin Aung San, who transitioned to a role of the State Administration Council (SAC), the military junta. A graduate of the Defence Services Academy (28th intake), Moe Aung is the son of Aung Thaung, a former minister and influential political figure under the military-backed government of Senior General Than Shwe. As Commander-in-Chief, Moe Aung has overseen significant modernization efforts within the Myanmar Navy. His leadership has facilitated the acquisition of advanced naval assets, including new submarines, which have been crucial in enhancing Myanmar’s maritime defense capabilities. His tenure has focused on upgrading the navy's operational and strategic infrastructure to improve its effectiveness. Moe Aung has also contributed to expanding the navy’s officer training programs, aimed at developing the skills and expertise of naval personnel. He has also been crucial in establishing strategic international partnerships with countries such as India and Russia.

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. In his role as National Security Advisor, Moe Aung oversees the formulation and implementation of Myanmar’s national security policies and coordinates defense strategies. 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.

In July 2025, following a government reshuffle, Moe Aung was reportedly removed from all posts. His absence from official farewell ceremonies and exclusion from new commission appointments raised questions about the status of the business holdings linked to his family, particularly United Amara Bank (UAB) and IGE Company. According to reporting by Khit Thit Media, these developments may signal the decline of the Aung Thaung family’s influence in Myanmar’s military and economic sectors.