The Myanmar junta’s growing use of advanced drones – many supplied by China and Russia – has intensified its campaign against resistance forces, shifting the momentum on the battlefield and inflicting rising civilian casualties, analysts say. While the military’s gains remain limited, experts warn that the deployment of infrared and night-vision-equipped drones has raised the cost of the rebellion, as foreign-made technology bolsters a regime once seen as losing ground on multiple fronts. Sources on the ground say these foreign-made drones have given the junta a tactical edge in its operations against rebel groups in recent weeks. Although drones were initially used mainly by the armed opposition, pro-junta Telegram channels have recently shared video footage of military drone strikes targeting rebel positions in Bhamo township, Kachin state. Radio Free Asia reported in March that the attacks involved drones fitted with either infrared or thermal night vision cameras, resulting in casualties. Citing officials from the Kachin Independence Army and a local civilian defence unit, the US-funded media outlet’s Burmese-language service said the Myanmar military’s use of these drones in combat had a devastating impact.

Full commentary : Analysts say the use of advanced drones from China and Russia has resulted in more casualties and slowed down opposition offensives.