Wearing flip-flops and shorts, a brave soldier from a resistance force fighting against the military junta in Myanmar displayed his weaponry. Unfortunately, most of it was in pieces. Ko Shan Gyi, the rebel, pieced together plastic panels from a 3D printer. Nearby, electrical components scavenged from Chinese-made drones used for agriculture lay on the ground, wires exposed as if ready for surgery. Other drone parts, such as Styrofoam with propellers, filled leaf-walled shacks, serving as the armory for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force.
Despite the makeshift conditions, rebel drone units have significantly altered the power dynamics in Myanmar. While the junta possesses advanced weaponry like Russian fighter jets and Chinese missiles, the resistance forces have managed to level the playing field using instructions found online and parts imported from China. The use of drones has become a game-changer in this seemingly one-sided civil war, with tactics similar to those seen in other conflict zones like Ukraine, Yemen, and Sudan.
The proliferation of consumer technology has revolutionized modern warfare, with drones playing a pivotal role. From providing internet connectivity through Starlink to mass-producing parts with 3D printers, drones have become a critical tool in asymmetrical conflicts worldwide. In Gaza, Hamas used drones to blind Israeli checkpoints, while in Syria and Yemen, drones fly alongside missiles, posing challenges for American troops. In Ukraine, drones have been transformed into human-guided missiles, showcasing the adaptability and innovation of outgunned forces.
In Myanmar, both the military junta and the resistance forces fear the sound of propeller blades overhead. With limited air power, the resistance heavily relies on drones to combat the army and establish civilian rule. Rebel-operated drones have successfully captured military outposts, instilling fear in soldiers and enabling strategic offensives into junta-controlled territory.
The head of the militia’s drone unit, known as 3D, embodies the tech-savvy nature of the rebel fighters. With a background in computer technology, 3D leveraged his skills to print drone parts and assemble a formidable fighting force. Collaborating with like-minded individuals across Myanmar, the militia learned how to repurpose commercial drones for lethal purposes, highlighting the power of online connectivity in modern warfare.
As drone technology continues to evolve, rebel fighters like 3D are constantly adapting to counter the jamming technology deployed by the junta. By utilizing first-person-view drones and racing drones repurposed into weapons, the resistance forces are finding innovative ways to navigate electronic defenses and target enemy positions. Despite the challenges, drone pilots like Ko Sai Laung persevere through rigorous training and practice to hone their skills and achieve success on the battlefield.
The use of drones has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of conflict in Myanmar, with rebel forces leveraging technology and innovation to challenge the military junta. As the shadow Myanmar government announces drone attacks on key targets in the capital, it is evident that drones have become a key tool in the fight for democracy and freedom in the country.