The junta is intensifying training flights involving large numbers of gyrocopters and paramotors as it prepares to counter the potential offensive by the Arakan Army (AA) in Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships in Arakan (Rakhine) State.

A gyrocopter is a lightweight rotorcraft that typically carries two people, while a paramotor is a paraglider powered by a motorized backpack. The junta has used both aircraft types to carry out bombing missions targeting military positions and civilian areas in parts of Myanmar.

The junta tightened security at Kyaukphyu airfield and conducted large-scale training flights involving paramotors and gyrocopters from May 25 to 27, according to witnesses.

“Both the rotorcraft and motorised paragliders were flying for two to three days straight. As far as we could tell, there were at least seven of them. The airfield was also heavily guarded by fully armed soldiers,” said a Kyaukphyu resident.

Similarly, in Manaung Town, the junta has been flying gyrocopters and paramotors for training in recent days.

Since 2025, the junta has been using paramotors on the Kyaukphyu Township frontline. It has now also begun training to operate gyrocopters.

“During the rainy season, weather conditions in Arakan State are often more challenging for aircraft and drones, especially during take-off and landing. The junta is likely preparing to deploy gyrocopters in anticipation of these conditions,” said a young Arakan military analyst.

The junta has been using gyrocopters and paramotors for aerial reconnaissance and bombing operations across battlefields in Myanmar, and has stepped up its use of gyrocopters more extensively since late 2025.

Meanwhile, the junta is attempting to launch offensives to recapture towns under AA control in Arakan State, advancing from neighboring Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, as well as Chin State. At the same time, it is also trying to mount similar operations from Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—cities and towns that remain under its control in Arakan State.

As of the current situation in Kyauktaw Township, the junta has retreated to the Taungmawgyi naval station near Sane Town and is now carrying out indiscriminate bombardments of civilian areas using drones, artillery, and aircraft.

On May 26, a junta drone strike on Sane Town killed an elderly man and set fire to around 70 houses.