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IHS Jane's: Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis
 

Atomic revelation - Defector reveals Myanmar's nuclear programme

By Robert Kelley and Allison Puccioni

7/22/2010

That Myanmar has a civilian nuclear programme is no secret. An overt programme has existed for many years, under the auspices of the Department of Atomic Energy. However, suspicions have also been raised about the possibility of a military-focused nuclear programme.

Drawing on the testimony gathered by the Democratic Voice of Burma from defector Major Sai Thein Win, who worked as a machine shop supervisor in two special factories supplying prototype equipment to the nuclear and missile programmes, Jane's has identified and analysed sites related to the programme with satellite imagery.

Reinforced by Maj Sai Thein Win's hundreds of photographs, documents and insider knowledge about the programme, the recent development in information has replaced rumour with hard data and greatly augments previous defector testimony.

After careful analysis, Jane's can conclude that Myanmar is taking measures to propagate an indigenous nuclear programme, but its ability to advance along the route towards nuclearisation is severely hampered by an overly ambitious programme and limited expertise.

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Processing facility at Thabeikkyin: 11 May 2010. The area on the right appears dishevelled in appearance but has been expertly cleared and reinforced within the last 18 months. It is heavily secured with a perimeter fence and a road access point. There is a straight line stemming from a concrete-lined open water tank (red arrow, bottom left) through to a processing area into several buildings. These components indicate ore processing takes place.
Processing facility at Thabeikkyin: 11 May 2010. The area on the right appears dishevelled in appearance but has been expertly cleared and reinforced within the last 18 months. It is heavily secured with a perimeter fence and a road access point. There is a straight line stemming from a concrete-lined open water tank (red arrow, bottom left) through to a processing area into several buildings. These components indicate ore processing takes place.(2010 DigitalGlobe)

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