Russia and China Team Up to Manufacture Lethal Drones

Drones, drones, drones. They seem like all you hear about these days when talking about the war in Ukraine. A leaked document reviewed by Reuters recently revealed a significant “weapon program” collaboration between Russia and China.

Accordingly, both superpowers are in a joint effort to “develop and produce long-range attack drones for use in the war against Ukraine” —a move that may mark a deeper shift in global military alliances.

So, what’s the deal with this partnership, and why does it matter? Let’s review the growing role of drones in modern warfare and the impact of this growing bromance between Russia and China.

The Strategic Power of Drones

There’s no denying it. The modern battlefield relies on speed, accuracy, and adaptability—qualities drones excel at.

For Russia, ramping up drone production has become essential in its ongoing, unprovoked military campaign in Ukraine, as staying ahead is critical for success, more so now that another winter season is coming up.

The leaked documents reported show that Russia, with China’s assistance, has developed a new drone model called the Garpiya-3 (G3), which could be deployed on a larger scale.

Reuters noted that Russian arms company IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Almaz-Antey, has been collaborating with Chinese specialists to build drones at a facility in China, citing references to two sources from a European intelligence agency and documents that the publication has reviewed.

Moreover, the collaboration between the two superpowers includes the flight-testing and mass production of the G3 drones, which can travel up to 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) carrying a 50-kilogram (110-lb) payload.

These drones, developed in China, are intended to bolster Russia’s “special military operation” in the Ukraine conflict that’s been running for over 31 months now.

If you’ve been following the conflict closely, you already know how both belligerents have increasingly relied on drones for surveillance, attacks, and battlefield advantage.

Russia’s defense ministry received reports from Kupol earlier this year outlining the progress of this program.

The documents also detail that Chinese specialists helped redesign previous drone models to improve their efficiency and combat capabilities.

So far, Kupol has taken delivery of seven Chinese-made drones, including two G3s, which were shipped to Russia for further testing and deployment.

China’s Denial and Potential Risks

China, unsurprisingly, denies any involvement in supplying Russia with military-grade drones.

Beijing has maintained a stance of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and has stated that it strictly controls the export of drones.

However, these reportedly leaked documents hint that Chinese companies may be involved in the production of military equipment for Russia, which raises the possibility of international sanctions against China for indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts.

While it’s unclear how much the Chinese government knew about this collaboration, the involvement of Chinese companies in producing lethal military equipment for Russia is a significant red flag.

Russia has established a weapons programme in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for Ukraine’s war, according to European intelligence agencies and Reuters documents. IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Almaz-Antey, has flight-tested the Garpiya-3 drone model. pic.twitter.com/41A9ZVSrdT

— Daily News Field (@Daly_News_Field) September 26, 2024

Analysts suggest that if confirmed, this could lead to severe economic and diplomatic consequences for Beijing.

“For a factory to exist officially that builds UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for the Russians exposes China to some of the more severe effects of the sanctions, so it’s not clear the extent to which China would be willing to expose itself,” said Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a Washington-based think-tank.

International Reactions

The news of Russia’s drone program in China has sparked concern among global powers, particularly the US and its allies.

The White House expressed deep concern over China’s potential involvement in providing “lethal assistance” to Russia.

NATO and Britain’s Foreign Office have also called for China to stop aiding Russia’s military efforts. They warn that China’s involvement in Russia’s drone program could seriously harm its international reputation and economic interests.

China’s involvement in drone production also contradicts its public stance of not supplying weapons to parties involved in the Ukraine war.

The international community has been quick to point out the inconsistency in China’s messaging, labeling it as a “double standard on arms sales.”

Will This Tip the Scales for Russia?

If these drones reach mass production, they could provide Russia with a considerable advantage on the battlefield.

Drones have proven to be highly effective in modern warfare, and Russia is looking to ramp up production to keep pace with Ukraine’s military efforts.

The documents indicate that Kupol aims to begin producing an even larger, more powerful drone, the REM 1, with a 400-kilogram (882-lbs) payload, which is comparable to the American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

This collaboration between Russia and China could lead to the creation of a joint research and production center, potentially producing 800 drones a year.

Such a facility would solidify China’s role in Russia’s military strategy while exposing it to international scrutiny.

Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

This leaked information signals more than just a partnership between two nations—it showcases how global powers are adapting their strategies amidst sanctions and geopolitical tensions.

While Russia seeks ways to sidestep sanctions and keep its military machine running, China is carefully treading the line between economic opportunities and global repercussions.

In the end, this drone collaboration underscores the importance of drones in modern warfare and highlights the complex geopolitical landscape shaping the Ukraine conflict. As more information unfolds, it will be crucial to watch how international responses evolve and whether China faces increased pressure over its involvement in Russia’s military capabilities.

—

Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.