India links jailed Ukrainian and US nationals to Myanmar plane drone strike

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has informed a Delhi court that it possesses ‘credible information’ linking six Ukrainian and one American national to a February drone strike on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar.

The seven individuals, described as mercenaries, were arrested in India in March while attempting to leave the country. Investigators allege the group entered Myanmar illegally via the Indian state of Mizoram to conduct training in drone warfare, assembly, and jamming technology for ethnic armed groups fighting the Myanmar military government.

The alleged attack occurred on February 20, 2026, when a Myanmar National Airlines ATR-72-600 was struck by first-person view (FPV) drones at Myitkyina Airport. The aircraft sustained damage to its nose, mid-fuselage, and tail sections while passengers were boarding, though no injuries were reported.

While the NIA is seeking to interrogate specific detainees, the connection to the strike remains an allegation within an ongoing investigation. The Ukrainian foreign ministry has rejected claims of unlawful activity and requested the release of its citizens, while the United States has stated it is aware of the case.