Anti-government drone operations escalate
Myanmar's anti-government resistance forces have successfully cracked the military government's anti-drone signal jammers and expanded the use of drones. Ko Ni, head of the "Cloud Wing" drone unit in Karen State, said that the performance of drones has been significantly improved, and they can carry heavier loads, fly higher and farther, and break through the military government's jamming devices. Ko Ni said: "We can now use our drones extensively in many military columns across Myanmar."
Wide attacks and technological improvements
In 2022, Myanmar's rebels reportedly carried out about 642 drone attacks on military government soldiers. This year, the use of drones has increased, but the specific number has not been announced due to the sensitivity of security and military issues. Rebels and ethnic militias have adopted modern warfare technology, including attack drones that drop bombs, to fight against military government soldiers who have installed machine guns and anti-drone defense equipment at important military bases.
Militias and international support
The shadow National Unity Government’s militias say more than 400 attack drones have been distributed to the loosely controlled militias. “We know the strengths and weaknesses of their (junta’s) drones and can now shoot them down,” said Deputy Minister Maung Maung Swe. Ko Ni said his forces have conducted more than 100 anti-junta drone operations in a few months, despite the high cost and challenges of carrying bombs on drones.
Tactics and morale
Despite the significant power of drone attacks, analyst Than Soe Naing believes that the morale and fighting spirit of soldiers on both sides of the battle play a more important role in determining victory or defeat. “Superb military strategy, including weapons and ammunition (including drones), is also important,” he said. “Drones are only about one-third important in winning the battle.”