Myanmar Democratic Civil Army Secures Anti-Aircraft Weapons... Could It Be a 'Game Changer'?

Last month in Sagaing, central Myanmar, members of an anti-coup armed group were escorting residents participating in anti-government protests while calling for revolutionaries. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The National Unity Government (NUG), which has been resisting the military junta that staged a coup, has now equipped itself with anti-aircraft weapons and air defense systems, entering a full-fledged stance of resistance.

According to local media on the 12th, Tin Lin Aung, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the NUG, announced that some regions have been equipped with anti-aircraft weapons and air defense systems. While he said it is not sufficient to defend all areas engaged in battles with the military, he stated that anti-aircraft weapons will soon be deployed, and from now on, the People's Defense Forces (PDF) will shoot down military aircraft.

With the deployment of anti-aircraft weapons in actual combat, there is a prospect that it could become a 'game changer' in battles against the Myanmar military. In particular, some areas are reported to have early warning systems that can detect military airstrikes in advance to evacuate residents.

The NUG said it is fighting the military on six fronts in cooperation with allies and plans to strengthen offensives and increase the number of attacks next year.

After the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory in Myanmar's November 2020 general election, the Myanmar military staged a coup in February the following year in response, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and ruthlessly suppressing the democratic camp.

In response, the democratic camp began resistance through the PDF but was helpless against the military's airstrikes. Therefore, the democratic camp has been striving to procure anti-aircraft weapons through fundraising campaigns. In April, the 'Dragon Fly' fundraising campaign for purchasing anti-aircraft weapons raised 3 billion won in ten days, and a large reward was offered for any Myanmar soldier who deserts with anti-aircraft weapons.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.