Russia Allegedly Developing Advanced Drones in China

Russian Secret Program in China

According to an exclusive report by Reuters, Russia is reportedly running a covert operation in China to manufacture long-range drones. These drones are anticipated to be deployed in Ukraine amid escalating NATO involvement in the conflict. The report identifies IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned weapons company Almaz-Antey, as operating in China and serving as an intermediary for the confidential defense tech program.

Leaked Documents Reveal Advanced Drone

Reuters claims to have examined leaked documents that reveal the development of a new type of advanced drone, named the Garpiya-3 (G3). This drone is being developed with the help of local Chinese specialists. The allegations are particularly intriguing given the current climate of escalating accusations from Washington against both Russia and China, and their increasing cooperation. The US has already imposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supporting Russia's defense sector.

Garpiya-3 Drone

The Garpiya-3 drone is reportedly comparable to some advanced US drones and can travel up to 2,000km carrying a payload of 50kg. The joint Russia-China design and production program positions Moscow to potentially deploy a drone comparable to the MQ9 Reaper over Ukraine in the near future.

Delivery of Drones to Russia

Based on the documents reviewed, Reuters alleges that Kupol has already received at least seven military drones manufactured in China at its Izhevsk headquarters in Western Russia. Some payments by Russia are reported to have been made in Chinese yuan. The report cites "two intelligence sources" who stated that the delivery of these drones to Kupol is the first tangible evidence of Chinese-made UAVs being delivered to Russia since the Ukraine war began in February 2022.

Russia's Defense and China's Denial

While Russia's defense ministry has not commented on the matter, Moscow has consistently defended its right to conduct business with any country. Critics have recently targeted China, Russia, and Iran as constituting a new 'axis of evil' in relation to the war in Ukraine. However, China has consistently denied supplying military equipment to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, reaffirming its official policy of neutrality. Despite this, Presidents Putin and Xi have openly expressed their 'no limits' friendship and partnership, with their militaries recently conducting naval drills in the Pacific, which Japan perceives as a threat.

China's Criticism of Western Nations

China has concurrently criticized Western nations for their "double standards on arms sales" to Ukraine, which Beijing claims has "added fuel to the flames of the Ukrainian crisis." It has also increasingly criticized NATO hegemony.

Bottom Line

This report offers a glimpse into the alleged covert operations and collaborations between Russia and China. It raises questions about the implications of such alliances and the potential impact on global politics and conflicts. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think these allegations could significantly alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine? Share this article with your friends and discuss these intriguing developments. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.