The Myanmar military has obtained advanced European technology to protect its drone fleet as it conducts brutal aerial attacks, according to research. This has prompted calls for stricter sanctions against the junta. Conflict Armament Research (CAR) reported that the military acquired “anti-jamming” technology from a Chinese company.
CAR researchers documented downed military drones in Kayah state and found that they were equipped with advanced navigation modules, which protect the drones from signal interference. Similar technology was also observed in Chin state, near the country’s western border. The drones were also modified with mechanisms to drop weaponry.
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has experienced ongoing conflict, with armed resistance groups gaining control of vast areas along the country’s borders. In response, the junta has heavily invested in drone technology to counter the opposition groups.
The country now ranks third globally in terms of drone-related incidents, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. The EU has imposed various arms embargos against Myanmar since the early 1990s, with additional sanctions following the 2021 military coup.
Campaigners argue that the sanctions are not comprehensive enough and inconsistent across EU member states. Yadanar Maung, spokesperson for Justice For Myanmar, stated that communications equipment, spyware, drone parts, aircraft, and naval propulsion systems have been exported to Myanmar, violating these sanctions.
Robert Hunter Perkins, head of research at CAR, noted that the rapidly developing field of drone warfare presents challenges for policymakers. The CAR report did not name the manufacturer or European country that produced the anti-jamming technology. Perkins stated that the manufacturer took precautions to prevent misuse and that the technology was not considered a military or dual-use good.
The technology was supplied to a vetted distributor in China, who then sold it as part of a larger shipment to a company that integrates components into drones. The goods were eventually sold to a company in Ruili, a trade hub on the China-Myanmar border. Although there is no evidence of wrongdoing by the distributor and integrator, CAR researchers pointed out that the location of the end-user company, given the escalating conflict in the area, should have raised concerns.
Perkins emphasized the importance of using the findings from investigations like CAR’s to prevent future diversions of technology and to alert manufacturers. The report also called for sustained monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/08/myanmar-military-junta-using-european-technology-during-air-attacks-report-suggests
