Myanmar’s People’s Defense Forces (PDF) carried out an attack against a Mi-17 helicopter of the country’s Air Force using an FPV drone.
The action took place on June 23, 2026, near the village of Twinma, about 20 kilometers south of Myaing, and was recorded on video, later shared on social media.
According to released information, the offensive was conducted by a coalition of resistance groups, including PDF units from Pakokku, Pauk, and Myaing, as well as cadets from the 4th Battalion of Minbu District and local guerrilla groups. The Twinma region serves as a base for the pro-government Pyu Saw Htee militia and began housing hundreds of junta soldiers after rebel forces captured a nearby police station in May.
In response to the attack, the military regime launched a broad retaliation operation, using fighter jets and Chinese-made Harbin Y-12 aircraft adapted to carry out low-altitude bombing missions. The offensive highlights the growing use of FPV drones by insurgent groups, which have been expanding their ability to strike the junta’s aerial targets.
The Myanmar Air Force operates at least 21 Mi-17 helicopters acquired from Russia since 1995, as well as 12 Mi-24PM attack helicopters purchased between 2010 and 2019. Even after the 2021 military coup and the imposition of international sanctions, cooperation between Moscow and the regime continued, culminating in the delivery of new Mi-38T helicopters and Y-8 transport aircraft in November 2025.
#Myanmar 🇲🇲: People’s Defense Forces (#PDF) struck Burmese Mil Mi-17 military helicopter in #Magway.
Fighters seemingly used multiple FPV Kamikaze Drones; armed with possible MR-1/2 rocket warhead / HE MK II mortar bombs. pic.twitter.com/eLARF85U4C
— War Noir (@war_noir) June 23, 2026
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @war_noir | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
