New disclosures reveal Chinese experts helped Russia’s sanctioned arms maker Kupol develop and test drones despite sanctions, raising concerns over Beijing’s neutrality in the Ukraine war.
Chinese Experts Linked to Russian Drone Development Amid Sanctions
New disclosures indicate that Chinese experts have been instrumental in developing Russia’s armed drone initiatives, even as Beijing has insisted that it remains impartial to the war in Ukraine. According to documents and European security officials cited by Reuters, Chinese drone experts have made several visits to Russia’s sanctioned arms manufacturer IEMZ Kupol, working directly on the development and testing of combat drones.
Chinese Role in Russian Drones
Officials said that since 2024, Kupol has received multiple shipments of Chinese-made drones — including attack and surveillance models — facilitated by a Russian procurement company, TSK Vektor, which is under U.S. and EU sanctions.
Among the drones shipped were:
- AEE Models A140 & A900 (one-way attack drones)
- A60, A100 & A200 series, tested with anti-jamming systems
- Hunan Haotianyi’s HW52V VTOL drone, tested for reconnaissance and strike missions
Kupol records reviewed by Reuters show that Chinese experts not only delivered the drones but also assembled them in Russia, trained Kupol staff, and carried out flight tests at Russian military sites.
China’s Official Response
China’s Foreign Ministry denied knowledge of this cooperation, saying Beijing has ‘never provided lethal weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict’ and it tightly controls exports of dual-use items such as drones.
Why Drones Matter to Russia
Drones have become a central element of modern warfare, particularly in Ukraine where Russia deploys hundreds of one-way attack drones each month. Kupol is already producing thousands of Garpiya drones — built with Chinese components and modeled on Iran’s Shahed platform — for Russia’s war effort.
The documents suggest that the collaboration could extend to new drone development, including work on a system referred to as “GA-21,” believed to be derived from Iran’s Shahed-107.
The Bigger Picture
It’s analysts have argued China has insidiously inserted itself as an indispensable supplier in Russia’s drone supply chain. ‘There’s such a significant role of Chinese components in Russian systems, especially aerial drones,’ said Samuel Bendett, of the Center for a New American Security.
This collaboration emphasizes both Moscow’s dependence on foreign providers as a result of Western sanctions and China’s expanding prominence in worldwide defense manufacturing — despite Beijing’s assertions of neutrality.
Implications
- For Russia: The alliance fills critical holes in its armaments arsenal, aiding drone combat in Ukraine.
- For China: It jeopardizes further U.S. and allied scrutiny and even secondary sanctions.
- For the Ukraine war: This suggests Russia has diversified beyond Iran, adding a potentially more advanced technological partner in China.
FAQs
Which Chinese drones have been linked to Russia’s Kupol arms firm?
Models include AEE A140, A900, A60, A100, A200, and Hunan Haotianyi’s HW52V VTOL drone.
What is China’s official stance on this cooperation?
China’s Foreign Ministry denies any knowledge, saying it has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict.
Why are drones so crucial for Russia in the Ukraine war?
Russia uses drones extensively for reconnaissance and one-way attack missions, deploying hundreds each month.
What are the implications of Chinese involvement in Russian drones?
It highlights Russia’s reliance on foreign suppliers due to sanctions and risks further scrutiny on China’s defense exports.
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