The use of drones to drop bombs on civilian populations in Manipur is a serious threat that requires a comprehensive and urgent response from all stakeholders. This situation highlights the evolving nature of conflict and the need for robust strategies to protect innocent lives.
TFM Desk
It may be recalled that on September 1, a woman was killed, and her 12-year-old daughter was among 10 injured in an attack by suspected Kuki militants, involving drones and sniper fire. This is the first time drones have been used in Manipur for such purposes. The Manipur Police confirmed the use of weaponized drones in the attack, and the state government condemned this act of terror, emphasizing the need for decisive measures to protect civilians and restore peace.
“… Alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfare, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation,” the Manipur Police said in a post on X.
The Manipur Home Department in the statement condemned the attack. “… The unfortunate incident of attack on unarmed Koutruk villagers using drone, bombs and many sophisticated weapons… reportedly by Kuki militants causing death of two persons including one woman and injuries to many. Such act of terrorising unarmed villagers is viewed very seriously by the state government, when it is putting all possible efforts towards bringing normalcy and peace in the state,” the Home Department said.
Use of Drones to Drop Bombs
The use of drones to drop bombs in India’s Manipur state represents a troubling escalation in violence that demands immediate attention. This tactic, previously associated with global conflict zones, has now surfaced within Indian Territory and that too in a conflict between two ethnic communities of the state. This has posed severe risks to civilian populations. The introduction of drones in local conflicts marks a dangerous shift, increasing the potential for indiscriminate harm and psychological terror among residents.
Stakeholders, including the government, security forces, and civil society, must urgently address this issue. The deployment of drones for violent purposes within Indian borders signifies a new level of threat that requires coordinated action to prevent further escalation. The government must strengthen surveillance, enhance border security, and implement stringent regulations to control drone usage. Law enforcement agencies need to be equipped with the necessary technology to detect and neutralize such threats promptly.
Moreover, there is a need for community awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impact of these attacks. The involvement of international stakeholders is also crucial to curbing the cross-border flow of drones and related technology.
Evolution of Drones in Military Use
A drone, formally known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard. Drones can be remotely controlled by a human operator or operate autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans. Initially, drones were used primarily for reconnaissance and surveillance, but their roles have expanded to include offensive operations, such as targeted strikes, particularly in military contexts.
The use of drones in military operations dates back to the early 20th century. During World War I, rudimentary drones, such as the Kettering Bug, were developed as unmanned aerial torpedoes. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that drone technology matured, with significant advancements in navigation, communications, and weaponry. Kettering Bug is an early cruise missile prototype designed by Charles Kettering. Although it was never used in combat, it laid the groundwork for future UAVs. This information can be traced back to historical military archives and documents.
In contemporary times, the Global War on Terrorism post-9/11 marked a significant turning point in the use of drones for warfare. The U.S. military, for instance, has used drones like the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper for targeted killings and intelligence gathering. These drones have been pivotal in conducting precision strikes while minimizing the risk to human soldiers. The integration of drones into warfare has transformed military strategies worldwide, making them indispensable tools for modern armed forces. These drones used by the U.S. for reconnaissance and targeted killings, allowed for precision strikes against high-value targets with reduced risk to soldiers, revolutionizing modern warfare.
In 2009, the U.S. drone programme saw a significant increase in activity under President Obama’s administration, with 51 strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas, compared to 45 during George W. Bush’s entire presidency. Key targets included Baitullah Mehsud, Saleh al-Somali (al-Qaeda’s external operations chief), and a prominent leader of the Islamic Jihad of Uzbekistan. Throughout the year, drone strikes eliminated around ten high-ranking militants, along with hundreds of lower-level militants and civilians, highlighting the growing reliance on UAVs in counterterrorism efforts.
China is closely monitoring global developments in drone technology, learning from the experiences of other nations. Initially, Chinese drones were largely modeled after U.S. designs, such as the Predator drone, but they have since been adapted to meet China’s specific needs.
For instance, the Chinese WZ-7 drone is designed for high-altitude surveillance similar to the U.S. Global Hawk. However, unlike its American counterpart, the WZ-7 is tailored for regional operations, particularly in areas like the East and South China Seas, where China focuses on localized defense rather than global military projection.
As the civil war in Myanmar continues, the familiar sight of Chinese-made commercial drones, previously used by rebels after being modified to carry weapons, is now increasingly found in the hands of the ruling junta, according to multiple sources. The junta began using armed UAVs around the beginning of the year. The fierce battle in Myanmar is changing now as drones are being used by both sides – the military junta and the ethnic rebel groups that make up the People’s Democratic Front (PDF).
Drones in the Myanmar Conflict
The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) in Myanmar, along with other ethnic armed groups like the Chin National Army (CNA) and Chin Defence Force (CDF), have increasingly adopted drones in their fight against the military junta. These groups have utilized commercial off-the-shelf drones, often modified to carry small explosive devices, to target Myanmar military forces.
The drones are particularly effective in Myanmar’s rugged terrain, where traditional ground assaults can be challenging. They provide these resistance groups with the ability to conduct reconnaissance, monitor troop movements, and execute targeted strikes against military outposts. The adoption of drone technology by these groups marks a significant shift in their capability to resist the heavily armed Myanmar military.
Tactical Use by Chin National Army and Chin Defence Force
The CNA and CDF have used drones to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence on Myanmar army positions. This intelligence is crucial for planning ambushes and coordinating attacks. Moreover, they have adapted drones to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on military targets, causing damage to infrastructure and inflicting casualties on the junta’s forces.
The strategic use of drones by these groups has not only increased their operational effectiveness but has also put psychological pressure on the Myanmar military, which now faces threats from above in addition to ground assaults. This technological adaptation by the CNA, CDF, and PDF demonstrates the evolving nature of asymmetric warfare in Myanmar.
The rise of drone warfare has revolutionized modern combat, allowing non-state actors and insurgent groups to challenge conventional military forces effectively. In Myanmar, drones have become a critical tool in the resistance against the military junta, offering new avenues for attack and intelligence gathering. As drone technology continues to evolve, its impact on global military strategies will likely grow, reshaping the nature of warfare in the 21st century.
On Using Drones and Bombs
In military parlance, drones can deliver bombs with high accuracy, minimizing collateral damage compared to traditional airstrikes. This is especially useful in urban or populated areas where precision is crucial. Drones can be operated remotely, keeping pilots and soldiers out of harm’s way, which reduces casualties among military personnel. These technology can also provide real-time intelligence and surveillance, allowing for more informed decisions on when and where to strike.
On the flipside, it also has been acknowledged that drone strikes can still result in civilian deaths, particularly if intelligence is flawed or if the strike is conducted in densely populated areas. Moreover, the constant threat of drone strikes creates fear and anxiety among civilian populations, leading to long-term psychological trauma. Moreover, the use of drones in warfare raises ethical questions about the ease of deploying lethal force and the potential for abuse. Moreover, the legality of drone strikes, particularly within and across borders, is often contested based on strategic and military requirements of the day.