Myanmar military deploys drones to counter rebels, using greater firepower and larger scale

In eastern Myanmar, drone warfare has become a central strategy in the ongoing conflict. This report captures the harrowing realities faced by fighters patrolling the contested village of Moi, where early morning cover quickly fades, leaving them vulnerable to aerial strikes.

The military has adopted advanced Chinese and Russian-made drones capable of high-altitude operations, launching mortar and guiding artillery strikes that surpass the capabilities of opposition forces' defenses.

The shift in tactics has intensified the conflict, with drones playing a pivotal role on both sides. Fighters, once able to push military troops out of large areas in northern Myanmar, now face a new level of threat from the junta's technological advancements.

This devastating war, sparked by the military coup of 2021, has displaced over 3.5 million people, including more than 130,000 in K State alone. Families like Luzar's, displaced multiple times, share their painful realities-losing homes, livelihoods, and dignity as the conflict drags on.

This is a story of modern warfare's impact on a nation in crisis, with drones at its heart and millions caught in the crossfire.