Russia and China collaborate on long-range drones for Ukraine conflict

The company IEMZ Kupol, a part of the Russian defense conglomerate Almaz-Antey, in collaboration with Chinese specialists, has already conducted a test of the new Garpija-3 (G3) drone in China. This information is contained in a document sent by Kupol to the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2024. 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."

The G3 drones are long-range unmanned vehicles that can travel about 1,243 miles. Significantly, they can carry a payload weighing as much as 110 pounds.

Fabian Hinz from the London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that if the information about the production of Russian drones in China is confirmed, it will be an important development.

"Until now, it was known that China mainly supplied dual-use goods—parts and subcomponents that can be used in weapon systems. (...) However, we have not encountered, at least in open sources, documented transfers of entire weapon systems," Hinz said, quoted by Reuters.

Kupol, Almaz-Antey, and the Russian Ministry of Defense did not comment on the request for a statement. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was not aware of such a project and emphasized its strict 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's reports did not specify the exact locations related to the project. However, it mentioned that the Chinese plant would be able to produce REM 1 assault drones with an 882-pound payload within eight months. According to two sources from Reuters, these systems will resemble the American Reaper drone. It is a machine about 36 feet long and can reach speeds over 249 mph.

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

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