“The Military Council has escalated its technological warfare capabilities against revolutionary forces, according to international security research organization Janes Defense. Notably, they have extensively deployed drones equipped with FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) systems for nighttime operations. While the Military Council previously limited drone operations to daytime attacks, they have now expanded to effective nighttime operations using advanced technology drones. FLIR technology operates by detecting temperature differences, enabling clear visibility of human targets and vehicles even in complete darkness. Documentation shows that the Military Council employed FLIR drones during battles in the Banmaw region on February 6. These drones were capable of clearly transmitting footage of revolutionary force movements and their entry/exit from buildings, enabling precise bombing attacks. Revolutionary forces have confirmed frequent nighttime drone attacks in Karen State’s Myawaddy and Kawkareik regions. The Military Council particularly targets forces responsible for security along the Asia Highway with nighttime drone operations. While FLIR technology was previously only installed on Mi-35 attack helicopters and military aircraft, its current deployment on smaller drones indicates the Military Council’s technological advancement. Security analysts suggest this technological upgrade may be a result of increased technical cooperation with China. Revolutionary forces are actively seeking new defensive measures to counter the Military Council’s advanced drone attacks and are exercising extra caution during nighttime operations. The expansion of drone warfare capabilities has created new challenges for resistance forces, who must now adapt their tactics to account for 24-hour surveillance and attack capabilities. The use of FLIR-equipped drones represents a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics, as it eliminates the traditional advantage of nighttime cover for revolutionary forces. This technological escalation has prompted increased concern among international observers regarding the growing sophistication of military hardware being deployed in the conflict.
