MNA ATR 72 Damaged in Drone Strike at Myitkyina Airport

A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) ATR 72-600 sustained significant airframe damage following a drone attack while parked at Myitkyina Airport (MYT) on the evening of February 20, 2026. The incident, which involved multiple drones striking the aircraft, represents a severe escalation in the risks facing civil aviation operations within conflict zones. No passengers or crew were injured during the ground attack.

The aircraft, registered as XY-AMI, was preparing to operate flight UB662 from Myitkyina to Mandalay when it was targeted. According to a statement from Myanmar's office of the commander-in-chief of defence services, the turboprop suffered damage to its nose, mid-fuselage, and tail section. The attack highlights a growing and sophisticated threat vector for commercial airlines, specifically the use of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles against high-value civilian assets.

Investigation and Official Response

Immediately following the incident, authorities took action to secure the airport. Myanmar's national defence and security council issued a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) to temporarily suspend flight operations at Myitkyina due to minor damage to the apron. The investigation into the attack is now being led by Myanmar's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the official body responsible for such incidents under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The AAIB will work to determine the specific nature of the drones used, the extent of the damage, and the security lapses that allowed the attack to occur.

Myanmar's military government quickly condemned the act, with the national defence and security council stating that the "deliberate attack on a civilian airline" constitutes a "war crime" under the Geneva Conventions and international law. Responsibility for the attack remains contested. While military officials have attributed the strike to insurgent groups, KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu denied the allegations, stating his group does not target civilian aircraft.

A New Threat Vector for Civil Aviation

The attack on the MNA aircraft is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a reflection of a broader global trend. The use of drones in conflict has surged, with recent data from ACLED ranking Myanmar third globally for drone operations, behind only Ukraine and Russia. This incident is particularly alarming for the aviation industry as it appears to involve First-Person View (FPV) drones, often referred to as 'suicide drones', which are guided by a remote pilot to their target.

The targeting of a stationary passenger aircraft marks a significant evolution from previously documented risks, which largely centered on near-misses during flight. An analysis by the Associated Press in the U.S. found that drones accounted for nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions with commercial planes at major airports in the last year. However, a coordinated ground attack on a parked aircraft presents a different and arguably more challenging security problem for airports, airlines, and regulators.

The aircraft involved, an Aerei da Trasporto Regionale 72-600, is a workhorse of regional aviation. Myanmar National Airlines operates a fleet of ten ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are vital for connecting communities across the country. The grounding of XY-AMI for inspection and repairs will likely have a direct impact on the airline's operational capacity. Myitkyina Airport (ICAO: VYMK), located in Kachin State, features a single asphalt runway and is a critical piece of infrastructure for the region.

What Comes Next

The primary focus will be on the AAIB's investigation. Its findings will be crucial for developing new security protocols and countermeasures to protect civil aviation from similar unmanned aerial threats. The international aviation community, including bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will be monitoring the situation closely. The results could influence global standards for airport perimeter security and the implementation of anti-drone technologies in sensitive areas.

For Myanmar National Airlines, the immediate tasks include assessing the full extent of the damage to the ATR 72-600 and working with manufacturers and regulators on a repair plan. The airline will also need to review its own security procedures for aircraft parked overnight or during turnarounds at airports in high-risk areas.

Why This Matters

This drone attack on a civilian airliner is a watershed moment for aviation security. It demonstrates that the threat from unmanned aerial systems has evolved from accidental incursions into airspace to deliberate, targeted attacks on commercial aircraft. The incident forces the industry to confront the vulnerability of parked aircraft and will likely accelerate the development and deployment of counter-drone technologies at airports globally, especially those operating in or near conflict zones.

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