Russia has established a programme in China to develop and manufacture long-range attack drones for use in the Ukraine war, according to documents and European intelligence sources. IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Almaz-Antey, has created and tested the Garpiya-3 (G3) drone in China with local experts. Reports indicate that these drones can now be produced at scale in China to support Russia’s military operations.
Chinese Drones Supplied for Russian Military Use
Kupol’s reports to the Russian defence ministry confirm that the G3 drone, capable of carrying a 50 kg payload over 2,000 km, has been flight-tested and is ready for deployment. Although China’s foreign ministry denied knowledge of the project, it has consistently stated that China adheres to strict export controls on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Documents also show that Kupol received seven drones, including two G3 models, from China for further testing in Russia.
This development marks the first concrete evidence of whole UAVs produced in China being delivered to Russia since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022. However, both Chinese and Russian authorities have refrained from commenting on the matter, adding to the opacity surrounding the project.
Strategic Risks and Global Implications
The project is considered a significant development in Russia’s military capabilities. However, experts like Samuel Bendett from the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) warn that China risks exposure to international sanctions if found officially producing drones for Russia. While China has provided dual-use components in the past, supplying complete military drones represents an escalation that could strain Beijing’s international relations.
Kupol’s collaboration with Chinese experts has also extended to designing the REM 1 attack drone, which is expected to carry a 400 kg payload. This drone could rival the US Reaper drone in terms of capabilities, adding to the potential strategic shifts in the conflict. Plans are underway to establish a joint Russian-Chinese drone production centre in China’s Xinjiang province, with a capacity to produce 800 drones annually.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
