The military council has reported that one of its fighter aircraft suddenly disappeared while flying approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Naypyidaw on the evening of July 1. The fighter jet lost radar contact and all communications were cut off while conducting a long-distance night training mission. According to the military council’s preliminary investigation, the disappearance may have been caused by mechanical failure or sudden severe weather conditions.
Despite the current adverse weather conditions in the area where the fighter jet went missing, the military council claims to be making arrangements to deploy search and rescue teams. A retired Air Force engineering officer analyzed that based on the reported location, the incident likely occurred in the Shwegyin and Kyaukkyi areas of Bago Region, noting these are areas where rescue teams would have difficulty accessing. The military council’s announcement about only now preparing to send rescue teams suggests that no rescue operations have yet reached the area.
This missing fighter jet marks the fourth aircraft loss for the military council in 2025. Previously, on June 10, a Chinese-made F-7 fighter jet was shot down by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during the battle for Kandaung camp in Pale Township, Sagaing Region, resulting in the death of its pilot. Additionally, on May 20, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) shot down two Mi-17 helicopters out of three military helicopters that were bringing reinforcements to Military Operations Command 21 in Banmaw, Kachin State. This incident resulted in the deaths of at least 18 military personnel, including the aircraft crew. These incidents demonstrate the increasing vulnerability of the military council’s air assets to resistance forces’ anti-aircraft capabilities.
