FPV Drone Targets Myanmar Military Junta Mi-17 Helicopter in Myanmar

Units of the People’s Defence Forces targeted a military helicopter of the Myanmar Air Force using an FPV drone.

The War Noir account published the video of the strike on X.

The attack took place on June 23, 2026, near the village of Twinma, located 20 kilometers south of the city of Myaing.

The area is used as a base by the pro-government militia Pyu Saw Htee. The village of Twinma became a refuge for a group of about 500 junta (Tatmadaw) soldiers after resistance forces seized the nearby Tayetkan police station in May 2026.

The operation was carried out jointly by several revolutionary units. The strike group included People’s Defence Forces (PDF) units from Pakokku, Pauk, and Myaing, cadets from the Minbu District 4th Battalion; regional units of the MGY-PDF, as well as members of local guerrilla groups Anyar Fighter and Saga Kyar.

In response to the loss of the helicopter, the junta’s military command launched large-scale retaliatory operations. The area was subjected to intensive airstrikes using fighter jets and Chinese-made Harbin Y-12 light transport aircraft, which the regime has adapted to drop bombs at low altitudes and speeds.

The Myanmar Air Force Mi-17 helicopter fleet was acquired through direct purchases from Russian manufacturers, including the Kazan Helicopter Plant and the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.

In total, Myanmar has imported at least 21 such helicopters, including both new aircraft and units transferred from Russian Ministry of Defense stocks after major overhauls. The purchases were carried out in four main stages.

The first batch in 1995 was the initial contract for basic Mi-17 models to replace outdated Soviet-made aircraft. The second batch in 1997 added transport helicopters to strengthen logistics amid intensified fighting with ethnic groups along the Thai border.

The third batch in 2004 included upgraded variants with Klimov TV3-117MT engines adapted for operations in high-altitude and high-temperature conditions. The fourth batch in 2013 was the final official purchase made by the Myanmar government through Rosoboronexport.

In addition to transport helicopters, the military regime purchased 12 Mi-24PM attack helicopters between 2010 and 2019 to provide fire support for ground forces. Despite international sanctions, military and technical cooperation between Russia and the junta has continued to expand since the 2021 coup.

This was further demonstrated by the introduction of a new batch of equipment into the Myanmar Air Force on November 7, 2025, during ceremonies in Naypyidaw attended by junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, where three Mi-38T helicopters and two Chinese Y-8 transport aircraft were presented.

Militarnyi previously reported that on May 22, 2025, Myanmar guerrilla forces started targeting junta helicopters using FPV attack drones.