6/22/26, 2:24 PM Myanmar’s Military Is Turning to Russia to Revive Its Stalled Cyber Dream – The Diplomat Even during its early phases, however, the project struggled to attract serious international attention. × Myanmar lacked reliable internet infrastructure, Ad electricity supply remained unstable outside major urban centers, and the country’s education system was ill-equipped to create the highly skilled specialists necessary for a competitive technology sector. Foreign investors also remained cautious because of sanctions, corruption concerns, and the opacity of military-linked business networks. The opening initiated under the civilian government after 2011 briefly created hopes that Yatanarpon could regain momentum. International telecom operators entered the Myanmar market, internet access expanded rapidly, and foreign businesses started exploring opportunities in the country’s emerging digital economy. Yet most investment flowed toward telecommunications and consumer services rather than state-led technological megaprojects. https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/myanmars-military-is-turning-to-russia-to-revive-its-stalled-cyber-dream/ 4/13