Drone Diplomacy: China's Secret Inroads into Russian Military Tech

Chinese drone experts have been collaborating with Russia's IEMZ Kupol on military drones, despite Western sanctions. Documents reveal shipments of Chinese attack drones to Russia, deepening a strategic partnership amid the Ukraine conflict. Chinese companies, AEE and Hunan Haotianyi, are key suppliers, as drone technologies expand in Russia.

Chinese drone experts have reportedly traveled to Russia to engage in technical development work on military drones with state-owned weapons manufacturer IEMZ Kupol. Despite Western sanctions, this collaboration has flourished, with Kupol receiving multiple shipments of Chinese-made attack and surveillance drones, according to European security officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.

In a development unveiled last year, Kupol created the Garpiya-3 drone in China with local expert assistance. This marks the first detailed report about Chinese experts' significant role in Russia's military-use drone development. Officials suggest this collaboration reflects a strengthening relationship between Russian and Chinese companies, as drones gain critical importance in the Ukraine conflict.

Although China’s foreign ministry claims ignorance of the cooperation, documents indicate substantial interaction. Russian authorities, IEMZ Kupol, and involved Chinese firms have not responded to comment requests. The U.S. and European governments have expressed concerns over Chinese firms supplying Russian armaments, resulting in sanctions against some companies.