Since the 2021 military coup, the regime has lost a significant number of troops due to drone attacks by resistance forces. In response, the military has begun to bolster its own drone capabilities by purchasing Russian-made Orlan-10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and anti-drone weapons earlier this month.

Since the 2021 military coup, the regime has lost a significant number of troops due to drone attacks by resistance forces.

In response, the military has begun to bolster its own drone capabilities. 

Regime media reported that the military’s director of procurement visited Russia in April.

He purchased Orlan-10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and anti-drone weapons from Russia earlier this month. 

Military sources have told DVB that Russian, Chinese, and Indians are providing drone training at Air Force bases in Myanmar.

Karen resistance fighters claimed that Chinese-made CH-3 and CH-4 combat drones were used against them during fighting in April.

Scout drones were also used by the military.

An anonymous drone expert told DVB that the military can now share information gathered by drones to coordinate attacks. 

Defectors told DVB that the military wants its new drones to operate alongside combat troops in upcoming offensives.

Myanmar’s military has suffered a significant loss of ground troops due to casualties, defections and surrenders since its 2021 coup.

The total number of combat and non combat troops has now dwindled to 130,000, according to the United States Institute for Peace (USIP).