A military council fighter aircraft has crashed in Pharsaw Township, Karenni State, as confirmed by Karenni revolutionary news sources and U Nai Boon Lat, spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister’s Office. According to the military council’s statement, on the night of July 1, while conducting a long-distance night training flight, their combat aircraft suddenly disappeared from radar approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Naypyidaw and lost all communication.
This incident marks the fourth aircraft loss for the military council in 2025. 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) engaged three military helicopters that were bringing reinforcements to Military Operations Command 21 in Banmaw, Kachin State. The attack resulted in the destruction of two Mi-17 helicopters and the death of at least 18 military personnel, including aircrew members.
The consecutive losses of military council aircraft demonstrate the increasing capabilities of revolutionary forces in terms of weaponry and military prowess, while also indicating a decline in the military council’s air control capabilities. Currently, ethnic armed organizations and People’s Defense Forces have shown improved ability to defend against military council air attacks. These incidents reflect the growing military capabilities of resistance forces and their enhanced capacity to challenge the military council’s air superiority, which has been a crucial factor in their operations against civilian populations and resistance forces.
