India’s Covert Arms Pipeline to Myanmar’s Junta: MKU’s Role in Mi-17 Armour Exposed

Reading Time: 3 minutes In a recent revelation that has reignited scrutiny over India’s defence relationship with Myanmar’s military junta, it has been confirmed that MKU Limited, an Indian defence manufacturer, supplied armour protection kits for Mi-17V helicopters used by the Myanmar Air Force. One such helicopter, reportedly operating in combat zones against ethnic armed organisations, was shot down by rebel forces, exposing the Kavro ballistic armour panels. These panels are designed to provide protection up to NIJ Level III – capable of withstanding rifle rounds – raising critical questions about India’s role in enabling the junta’s air campaigns amid ongoing civil conflict. MKU Limited, is a prominent player in the Indian defence sector specialising in ballistic protection solutions. Its product portfolio includes body armour, ballistic helmets, and platform armour kits for aircraft, naval vessels and land vehicles. The company claims global reach and has supplied equipment to over 230