Russian-Chinese alliance allegedly develops drones for Ukraine conflict

Reuters, citing two sources within European intelligence agencies, reported that Russia is operating a covert program in China to design and produce long-range assault drones. These drones are being developed for use in the war with Ukraine. What capabilities do they possess?

The IEMZ Kupol company, part of the Russian arms conglomerate Almaz-Antey, has allegedly already tested the new Garpija-3 (G3) drone in China in collaboration with Chinese specialists. This information is contained in a document sent in 2024 by Kupol to the Russian Ministry of Defense. In another report, Kupol declared that it is capable of mass-producing drones, including the G3 model, which can be used in the war with Ukraine, referred to by Russians as a "special military operation."

G3 drones are long-range unmanned aircraft that can cover approximately 1,243 miles. Importantly, they can also carry a payload weighing up to 110 pounds.

Fabian Hinz from the London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that it would be a significant development if reports about Russian drone production in China are confirmed.

"If you look at what China is known to have delivered so far, it was mostly dual-use goods - it was components, sub-components, that could be used in weapon systems. This is what has been reported so far. But what we haven't really seen, at least in the open source, are documented transfers of whole weapon systems," said Hinz, quoted by Reuters.

Kupol, Almaz-Antey, and the Russian Ministry of Defense did not comment on the request for a statement. However, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that it has no knowledge of such a project and emphasized its rigorous drone export control procedures.

According to documents seen by Reuters, IEMZ Kupol received seven military drones produced in China, including the G3, at its headquarters in Izhevsk.

The company reports did not provide specific locations related to the project. However, it did inform that the Chinese plant could produce REM 1 assault drones with a payload of 882 pounds within eight months at the latest. According to two Reuters sources, these systems will resemble the American Reaper drone, which is an aircraft about 36 feet long and can reach speeds of over 249 mph.

The Russian arms company TSK Vector was supposed to play the role of intermediary between Kupol and the Chinese suppliers involved in this project. Another document seen by Reuters indicates that Kupol, TSK Vector, and the Chinese company Redlepus TSK Vector Industrial plan to establish a joint drone research centre in the special economic zone of Kashgar in the Xinjiang province. The base, covering an area of 198 acres, could produce 800 drones annually.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, announced in September this year that the Russian military received approximately 140,000 drones in 2023, and the authorities plan to increase this number tenfold this year.