Chinese military reportedly fires on Myanmar Air Force MiG-29s

According to reports circulating on X [formerly Twitter] and Telegram, as well as a video that has surfaced, Chinese forces allegedly opened fire on a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet operated by the Myanmar Air Force. While the reports date back to October 19, the exact timing of the incident remains unclear. Some reports suggest the Myanmar MiG-29 was near the Chinese border, conducting airstrikes against rebel forces.

The video was recorded at night and shows anti-aircraft tracer rounds being fired into the sky, though no aircraft is visible in the footage. Accompanying the video are off-screen voices, likely belonging to Chinese soldiers. BulgarianMilitary.com has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the information.

It’s still unclear which rebel groups were being targeted. However, northern Myanmar, particularly near the Chinese border, has long been a battleground between the Myanmar military and various insurgent groups fighting for autonomy and ethnic minority rights. Among the most prominent rebel forces in this region is the Kachin Independence Army [KIA], which represents the Kachin ethnic group. The KIA has been engaged in armed conflict with the Myanmar government, advocating for independence for the Kachin state and the protection of local populations.

Another major player in the area is the United Wa State Army [UWSA], one of the most powerful insurgent groups in Myanmar. The UWSA controls significant territories in northern Shan State, which also borders China, and is known for its strong ties to Beijing. Although it has an official ceasefire with the Myanmar government, tensions remain high, especially amid escalating military operations in the region. The UWSA is equipped with modern weaponry and maintains a well-organized fighting force, making it a critical power in the ongoing conflict.

Other ethnic armed groups in the area include the Ta’ang National Liberation Army [TNLA], which represents the Ta’ang ethnic group, and the Arakan Army [AA]. Though the AA is primarily active in western Myanmar, it often collaborates with other rebel factions in the region. These groups exploit the region’s complex geopolitics and rugged terrain to conduct operations against government forces.

One possible reason for the reported Chinese gunfire on the Myanmar MiG-29s could lie in Beijing’s covert support for some of these insurgent groups. The strongest ties between China and any rebel faction are with the UWSA, which operates in northeastern Myanmar, close to the Chinese border.

The UWSA is known to possess advanced weaponry, including Chinese-made arms, and rumors suggest that China provides financial and material support, or at least turns a blind eye to the arms trade across the border. The UWSA is also linked to drug trafficking, which likely serves as a major source of revenue to fund their activities.

While China officially denies any direct support for rebel movements in Myanmar, it aims to maintain stable diplomatic relations with the government in Naypyidaw. Nonetheless, due to its strategic interests in the region and the presence of a significant Chinese ethnic minority in Myanmar, Beijing often acts as a mediator in conflicts between the Myanmar government and ethnic groups.

Observers believe that China uses these insurgent forces as leverage to protect its economic interests in the region, including infrastructure projects and access to natural resources.

There are also reports of indirect links between China and the Kachin Independence Army [KIA], particularly through illicit arms channels and cross-border trade. The KIA frequently acquires weaponry via China, although the Chinese government officially denies involvement. Nonetheless, the proximity and ethnic ties make the region highly sensitive for Beijing, which closely monitors developments along its southern border.

This is not the first time the Myanmar Air Force has used MiG-29s in operations against rebel groups in this region. The Myanmar military’s fleet of MiG-29s plays a crucial role in the country’s air superiority capabilities. These jets were originally manufactured in Russia and are part of the broader MiG-29 family, which was first introduced in the 1980s. Myanmar began receiving its MiG-29s in the mid-2000s as part of a military modernization effort. The MiG-29 is known for its versatility in air combat and its ability to conduct ground attack missions.

The technical specifications of the MiG-29 include a length of 56.8 feet, a wingspan of 37.3 feet, and a maximum takeoff weight of around 40,000 pounds. Powered by two RD-33 afterburning turbofan engines, the aircraft can reach a top speed of 1,490 mph at altitude. Its combat radius is roughly 435 miles, allowing it to perform a wide range of missions, including intercepts and air patrols. The aircraft has a maximum flight range of about 890 miles with internal fuel and a service ceiling of 59,000 feet.

The MiG-29 is armed with a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds and can carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, including the R-27 and R-73, as well as bombs for ground-attack missions. It is equipped with advanced sensors, including the N001 Zhuk radar, which can detect targets up to 62 miles away, and an infrared search and track [IRST] system for passive target acquisition. Myanmar’s MiG-29s are likely modernized versions with upgraded navigation, communication, and weapon systems, making them even more effective in combat.

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