Junta expands naval presence along Arakan coast to regain lost territory

By Admin 03 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 February 2026, Thandwe

After suffering extensive territorial losses in Arakan State, Myanmar’s military regime has deployed at least 30 warships along the Arakan coast since the beginning of this year, seeking to expand its naval front via Hainggyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region.

The regime is distributing its naval assets from bases on Hainggyi Island across southern Arakan, including Gwa, Thandwe, Manaung and Kyaukphyu, extending north to the mouth of the Naf River on the Bangladesh Arakan border, in an effort to conduct amphibious landings.

“For the military regime, which has lost significant land territory, the navy is their last remaining stronghold. That is why we are seeing a continuous influx of junta warships toward the Arakan coast lately,” said a military source close to the Arakan Army.

The fleet reportedly includes advanced combat vessels such as frigates and corvettes equipped with long range artillery and missiles, as well as fast patrol boats and landing craft.

Frigates and corvettes have been observed frequently patrolling waters near Gwa, Thandwe, Manaung and Kyaukphyu, while landing craft are being used to reinforce military bases in the Kyaukphyu area.

The regime is also reportedly concealing its military movements by using cargo ships bound for Sittwe and Kyaukphyu to transport arms and ammunition while posing as civilian vessels.

“There are significantly more junta warships than before. These ships also launch drones for reconnaissance. Sometimes both the ships and drones target civilian villages, forcing residents of coastal communities to flee to safety,” a local woman in Kyaukphyu told DMG.

With land routes across Arakan State largely cut off, the Danyawadi Naval Base in Kyaukphyu, along with naval facilities in Sittwe and Manaung, have become the regime’s final defensive strongholds.

Military observers say the regime is attempting to disrupt Arakan Army offensives using long range naval artillery while seeking opportunities to launch surprise counter offensives through amphibious landings to prevent further territorial losses.

“This is a strategy to surround Arakan State from the sea despite losing ground. The navy is crucial for supplying food and ammunition to the remaining towns, and the regime plans to use it to expand the land front. They appear to be hoping that a successful landing could allow them to retake at least one town from the Arakan Army,” said a military analyst monitoring the situation in Arakan State.

The military regime is currently using its naval superiority to reinforce troops, provide artillery support for ground battles, and maintain a maritime blockade to prevent food and medicine from entering areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

In response to the increased naval activity, analysts say the Arakan Army may adjust its tactics to include maritime defense and operations aimed at neutralizing junta naval commands.