In Myanmar, rebels attack government forces with rocket launcher drone

9 December, 2024 Footage of the use of strike multicopters by Myanmar rebel forces, 2024. Footage: x.com/war_noir The Myanmar People's Defense Forces rebels struck at the local junta's troops using a drone with unguided rockets.

The footage was published by the War Noir researcher. According to the footage, the Golden Eagle unit of the Burmese rebels used a modernized civilian multi-rotor drone to launch DIY-made unguided air-to-ground rockets against Myanmar government troops. The drone launched two rockets, but it is not known whether they were able to hit the target chosen by the operator.

The latter, judging by the footage, was only able to choose the approximate direction of the launch before firing. Local insurgent groups are actively using large agrodrones, which can carry a significant amount of payload, in their fight against the junta.

In most cases, such drones drop improvised explosive devices, HEAT shells, and 60/81 mm mortar rounds as free-fall munition.

Footage of the use of strike multicopters by Myanmar rebel forces, 2024. Footage: x.com/war_noir

In addition, back in May, Militarnyi noted the appearance of FPV strike drones in service with the units of the rebel Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and government troops. Their active use along with bomber drones has significantly changed the tactics of warfare and led to the emergence of "grills" on armored vehicles designed to protect against munitions.

The civil war in Myanmar

Myanmar's military junta, which came to power in 2021 through a coup d'etat, faced strong armed resistance from the local population, which has continued to fight in recent years.

There are a number of anti-government groups in the country that pursue different goals. These include supporters of a democratic government and ethnic groups fighting for their own autonomy and opposing the junta.

Captured Myanmar military personnel and armed formations of the Karen National Liberation Army. December 2021.

Photo from open sources

The country's main economic and political partners were Russia and China, but relations with the latter have rapidly deteriorated due to the activities of Burmese gang syndicates and fraudsters who undermine the "investment climate" in China's border areas. Despite the Chinese government's calls, the junta is still delaying the elimination of this crime. Instead, there is a speculation that it operates under the cover of the government.

Some experts believe that Beijing, which is tired of waiting for results, may be behind the insurgency or at least supporting it.

At the same time, Russia continues to maintain contacts with Myanmar's junta, supplying weapons and military-grade drones to the country.

Russia also buys artillery ammunition in Myanmar.