Taking Inspiration from Ukraine, Myanmar Rebels Attack Junta Installations with Kamikaze Drones

Taking inspiration from Ukraine, rebels from Myanmar's resistance groups attacked junta installations in and around the administrative capital, Naypyitaw, on Thursday with several dozen kamikaze drones.

This is the first time the rebels have deployed attack drones, especially on such a large scale.

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Anti-regime resistance groups of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) used nearly 30 improvised kamikaze drones to target Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s residence, his military headquarters, and a major junta airbase in Naypyitaw early on April 4, Irrawady Times reported.

The Kloud Team (Shar Htoo Waw), specializing in drone warfare, has claimed responsibility for the attack. They are frequently employed by People’s Defense Force (PDF) units lacking heavy firepower. Initially using smaller drones, they now employ more sophisticated systems to drop explosives on military targets.

Drones have also been deployed by other rebel groups.

The Arakan Army (AA) has persisted in attacking junta bases across several townships in Rakhine State, targeting Light Infantry Battalion 564 in Buthidaung, the hilltop base of Taw Hein Taung in Ann, and the Kyain Chaung border outpost in Maungdaw. They have also been active at Base No. 275 in Myebon Township, resulting in retaliatory junta airstrikes.

On April 2, three other rebel groups assaulted Weapons Factory No. 24 using five 107-mm rocket bombs and four drone bombs. The Freedom Revolution Force coordinated this attack.

On April 3, the BGS Ayadaw Drone Force and allied groups deployed a drone to drop two 60-mm bombs on a howitzer at the 10th Military Training Battalion in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region.

Early on Thursday, the Myaing People's Defense Force (PDF) in collaboration with the Pauk PDF utilized four drones to drop 38 bombs on the Chaung Ku power plant, disrupting operations at the 24th Military Weapons Factory in Pauk Township, Magwe Region, where 15 improvised rocket bombs were also fired.

Following the attack, the junta shut down the international airports in Naypyitaw and Yangon for hours. Details of the damage caused by the drone attacks are not yet clear.

Most hostile drones shot down: Regime

However, a regime statement said most of the drones were shot down by air defense systems. It mentioned that attacks were launched against important buildings and locations in the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, Zeyathiri Township, and Ela.

Military-run Myawaddy TV said 13 fixed-wing drones were shot down, and there were no casualties or damage to property.