New research reveals that Myanmar’s military is using advanced European technology to shield its drone fleet while conducting violent aerial attacks. This has led to calls for stronger sanctions against the ruling junta.
A report by Conflict Armament Research (CAR) found that Myanmar’s military, widely criticized for indiscriminate attacks on civilians, acquired European-made “anti-jamming” technology through a Chinese company. Researchers documented downed military drones in eastern Kayah state fitted with sophisticated navigation modules that prevent signal interference. Similar technology was also found in western Chin state.
CAR noted that Myanmar’s military has been modifying these drones with weapon-release mechanisms, turning them into armed aircraft.
Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict, with anti-junta forces and ethnic armed groups gaining control over large border areas. Over the past year, the junta has heavily invested in drone technology to counter opposition groups, which have effectively used such weapons. Myanmar now ranks third globally for drone-related incidents, behind only Ukraine and Russia, according to conflict monitoring data.
The EU has imposed arms embargoes on Myanmar since the 1990s, with sanctions expanding in 2018 over military abuses against minorities like the Rohingya. Further restrictions followed the 2021 coup. However, activists argue that sanctions remain insufficient and inconsistently enforced across EU member states.
Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for Justice For Myanmar, said CAR’s findings were unsurprising, citing past exports of communications equipment, spyware, drone parts, and naval technology to the junta. She called for stricter EU sanctions to cut off the military’s access to funds, weapons, and aviation fuel.
Robert Hunter Perkins, CAR’s head of research, noted that drone warfare presents a challenge for policymakers due to rapid technological advancements. Commercial drone technology has outpaced regulatory controls, making enforcement difficult.
CAR’s report did not identify the manufacturer or the European country behind the anti-jamming technology.The manufacturer stated they had done everything possible to prevent misuse of their product. While sensitive, the item wasn’t classified as military or dual-use goods, so it wasn’t subject to export controls.
In March 2023, the manufacturer shipped the product to an approved distributor in China. That distributor later included it in a larger shipment to another Chinese company that assembles drone components. By March 2024, this company had sold the goods to a firm in Ruili—a key trading town on the China-Myanmar border.
There’s no proof of wrongdoing by the distributor or the assembler. However, researchers note that the final buyer’s location—near an area of increased conflict—should have raised concerns.
Perkins emphasized the importance of using field research, like that gathered in conflict zones, to spot warning signs, notify manufacturers, and prevent future diversions.
The report also stressed the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure sanctions remain effective.
