Myanmar Military Unveils Deadly New Tactics Amid Ongoing Civil Conflict
It was a tragic evening in Myanmar’s Chang U township as a festive gathering turned into a scene of horror. On a night meant for celebration during the Thadingyut festival, a paramotor attack claimed the lives of at least 26 people and injured many others. The incident highlights the increasing use of paramotors by Myanmar’s military in its ongoing civil conflict, marking a disturbing trend in aerial assaults against civilian gatherings.
Understanding the Paramotor
Paramotors are lightweight aircraft that consist of a pilot suspended beneath a motorized paraglider. These devices can carry an average weight of 160 kg (350 lb), allowing them to transport a paratrooper along with several small bombs. Typically, paramotors are equipped to carry 120mm bombs weighing up to 16 kg each. Their design enables them to fly at low altitudes, allowing for precise targeting that conventional aircraft cannot achieve. Pilots can drop bombs manually, making these devices both effective and dangerous in conflict zones.
Military sources indicate that training for paramotor pilots can be completed in a matter of days, unlike the extensive training required for traditional aircraft pilots. This rapid training capability has led to the establishment of multiple air bases and training facilities across Myanmar. The paramotors are also more cost-effective to produce and maintain, which has contributed to their growing prevalence within the Burmese military. They are reportedly manufactured at Myanmar’s state-owned Heavy Industry Number 10, which also produces various aircraft components. However, paramotors have limitations, including vulnerability to ground fire and restrictions on flying in severe weather conditions.
Frequency of Paramotor Attacks
The recent attack in Chang U township is not an isolated incident. It represents the most lethal use of paramotors to date, but the first known attack occurred on Christmas Day in 2024 in the Myingyan district. In January 2025 alone, eight paramotor attacks were recorded, resulting in nine fatalities across various townships. As the military regime enters its fourth year of conflict, the depletion of its conventional aircraft fleet has made paramotors a more attractive option for aerial assaults.
Experts suggest that paramotors serve as a bridge between drones and traditional aircraft, offering longer ranges and greater payload capacities at a fraction of the cost. The military’s increased reliance on these devices reflects a strategic shift toward low-cost aerial dominance amid resource constraints. However, paramotors are not a substitute for conventional aircraft, especially in areas fortified with advanced air defense systems. They are primarily deployed in regions where resistance forces are less equipped to counter aerial threats, leaving civilians vulnerable to attacks.
The Current Situation in Myanmar
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war that has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displaced individuals. Despite losing significant territory to rebel groups, the junta has made recent gains through a brutal campaign of airstrikes and bombardments. Support from China has bolstered the military’s capabilities, providing arms and technology to sustain its operations.
China’s involvement has reportedly expanded, as it seeks to protect its economic interests in Myanmar. The support includes military assistance, arms sales, and the deployment of technicians to local defense industries. Concurrently, Beijing has pressured rebel groups along its border to cease supplying weapons to opposition forces, further weakening their position. This dual approach has left many civilians caught in the crossfire, as the conflict continues to escalate with the increasing use of paramotor attacks against soft targets. The situation remains dire for those living in affected areas, who face the constant threat of violence and instability.
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