Regime conducts gyrocopter, paramotor training flights in Kyaukphyu and Manaung

By Admin 28 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

28 May 2026, Kyaukphyu

The military regime is reportedly conducting training flights using gyrocopters and motorized parachutes, known as paramotors, in Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships of Arakan State as it prepares to resist Arakan Army offensives.

The regime deployed security personnel around Kyaukphyu Airport and carried out training flights with gyrocopters and paramotors from May 25 to May 27.

“Both the ones with propellers and the ones with parachutes were flying for three days. There were at least seven of them. The airport was also filled with soldiers in uniform standing guard,” a local resident of Kyaukphyu said.

The regime has also recently conducted training flights with gyrocopters and paramotors in Manaung Township.

Although the regime has used only paramotors in fighting around Kyaukphyu since 2025, it is now reportedly preparing to deploy gyrocopters as well.

A young Arakanese man monitoring military affairs said: “The plan to utilize gyrocopters in the Kyaukphyu fighting is considered preparation for the rainy season, given weather conditions in Arakan State where it is difficult to operate conventional aircraft and drones.”

The regime has used gyrocopters and paramotors for military operations, including aerial reconnaissance, across multiple battlefronts in Myanmar, with increased use of gyrocopters since late 2025.

The regime is attempting to regain control of Arakan State through operations linked to Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions, as well as Chin State, alongside areas it still controls including Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships.

Although regime forces have reportedly retreated to the Taung Maw Gyi naval station near Sanae Town in Kyaukphyu Township, they continue to carry out drone attacks, artillery shelling and airstrikes on civilian-populated areas.

On May 26, an elderly man was killed and about 70 houses were destroyed by fire in Sanae Town following a regime drone attack.