China is helping Russia develop military drones. Specialists from China have repeatedly visited JSC "Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant 'Kupol'" (IEMZ "Kupol", under Western sanctions) over the past two years. This was reported by Reuters, citing statements from two European security officials, as well as documents that fell into the hands of journalists.
Chinese experts visited IEMZ "Kupol" more than 6 times, starting from the second quarter of 2024. According to documents and the words of two sources, during this time the plant also received batches of Chinese strike and reconnaissance drones through a Russian intermediary.
What assistance is attributed to China?
In September 2024, Reuters reported that Chinese specialists helped IEMZ "Kupol" in the development of the Harpy-3 drone. The Chinese Foreign Ministry told the agency that they were unaware of this cooperation.
China has always maintained an objective and fair position, never supplying lethal weapons and strictly controlling dual-use goods, including the export of drones.
Reuters claims that they contacted the Russian Ministry of Defense and IEMZ "Kupol" with a request, but did not receive comments.
"TSK Vector" allegedly helped China in the supply of UAVs to Russia
Documents, including invoices and bank statements, showed that in 2024 IEMZ "Kupol" received more than a dozen (12) strike drones manufactured by the Chinese company Sichuan AEE.
The Western agency claims, citing sources, that the intermediary in the deliveries was allegedly the Russian company "TSK Vector" (under US and EU sanctions). "TSK Vector" and Sichuan AEE did not respond to a request for comment, Reuters writes.
Earlier, the agency reported that IEMZ "Kupol" produces thousands of Harpy strike drones (similar in design to Geran-2) using Chinese components, including engines. At the same time, Western journalists note with a caveat that they could not find out either the reason for the UAV supplies or the nature of the work carried out by Chinese specialists in the development of drones.
Samuel Bendett, a senior researcher at the Center for a New American Security, stated that China has become a crucial link in the production chain.
Chinese components play a huge role, have a huge impact on Russian military systems... especially on unmanned aerial vehicles.
European sources do not disclose details of supplies
The agency claims that it cannot share details from documents that allegedly confirm the cooperation of Chinese developers with IEMZ "Kupol", at the request of European sources. However, they mention already implemented and planned deliveries of UAVs A140 and A900, A60, A100 and A200.
Documents from IEMZ "Kupol", which Reuters reviewed, describe flight tests of A60, A100 and A200 drones at the Chebarkul military training ground in the Chelyabinsk region in the last quarter of 2024.
Subsequently, Sichuan AEE allegedly invoiced "TSK Vector" for approximately $700,000 for A200 and other products.
In the third quarter of 2025, Chinese specialists allegedly visited Russia again. It is claimed that they will be working on a new drone, designated GA-21. European sources believe that this is a version of the Iranian Shahed-107, which is used as a strike drone and reconnaissance drone.
Read more on the topic:
Now on home
Герой России Гарнаев: никто из профессионалов о возобновлении производства на КАЗ всерьёз не говорит
Система отслеживает спутники на высотах до 50 000 км и ведёт за ними наблюдение
The armored vehicle is equipped with a KamAZ-740.35-400 diesel engine with a power of 400 hp.
Constant improvements in avionics, weapons and tactical capabilities will make the aircraft a flexible response to future challenges
The exterior of the KamAZ-54901 features fairings on the cab and chassis for fuel economy
Fighters are in demand both domestically and abroad
Tyazhpromexport and Venezuela Agree on Plant Revival
The company not only completed the state order, but also quickly mastered the production of AK-12K for special forces
Experts have developed a photogrammetric complex with a resolution of less than 1 cm
