Paragliders turned into weapons in Myanmar’s war

Myanmar’s military has adopted a chilling new tactic in its war against resistance forces: motorised paragliders carrying soldiers armed with bombs. These improvised aircraft, once used by hobbyists, now glide silently over villages before unleashing destruction in the dead of night.

Witnesses describe the terror as engines cut

out mid‑flight, allowing the craft to drift low and near soundless. Soldiers then hurl explosives weighing up to 16kg, ripping through homes, schools and temples. “There are scores of dead and injured after the strikes,” said activist Lwan Thu from Sagaing, one of the worst‑hit regions.

The attacks, often followed by “double‑tap” raids targeting rescuers, have escalated sharply. Conflict monitor Acled recorded just two incidents in 2024; by 2025, that number had surged to 353. More than 100 strikes have already been logged in the first five months of this year. Alongside paragliders, the junta has deployed gyrocopters – faster, longer‑range craft – with dozens of attacks reported since 2025.

Human rights groups say the toll is devastating. At least 321 deaths have been documented, though the true figure is likely far higher. One strike on a Buddhist festival last October killed 24 people, including children, while a hospital bombing in January claimed the lives of medical staff.

Analysts warn the junta’s use of lightweight aircraft is a significant shift. Cheap to buy, easy to train on and difficult to detect, they allow the military to bypass sanctions and strike deep into opposition‑held territory.

“The impact is devastating,” said Su Mon, a senior analyst at Acled.

Rights organisations accuse the junta of war crimes, pointing to indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the systematic dismantling of Myanmar’s healthcare system. “The military is continuing to carry out deliberate attacks on civilians,” said Human Rights Watch researcher Shayna Bauchner.

With resistance groups struggling to counter low‑flying aircraft, observers fear the tactic will spread further. For civilians, the result is not only physical danger but a constant state of fear. As Su Mon put it: “They are left feeling insecure and constantly in fear.”

-2026-06-23