Russia has set up a weapons programme in China to make long-range weapons called Garpia-3 (G3) thanks to IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian arms company Almaz-Antey.
Local Chinese specialists helped develop the G3, according to a report Kupol sent to the Russian defense ministry earlier this year.
Kupol informed the ministry that it could produce the G3 and other drones at a factory in China for use in Ukraine.
Kupol’s G3 drone can travel 2,000 km with a 50 kg payload, making it a powerful addition to Russia’s military arsenal.
Kupol’s report to the defence ministry proposed production of the G3 drone in China within the next eight months.
Kupol’s reports outlined the development of a Chinese-designed attack drone, the REM 1, with a 400 kg payload, similar to the US Reaper drone.
The production project is located in China’s Kashgar special economic zone, as per a separate document bearing the logos of Kupol and Chinese firms.
Kupol reportedly plans to produce around 800 drones annually at a new facility in the Chinese province of Xinjiang.
The Chinese foreign ministry stated it was unaware of such a project, stressing strict export control measures on drones.
Kupol, Almaz-Antey, and the Russian defence ministry did not respond to Reuters‘ requests for comment on the project.
This project, if confirmed, would mark a significant development in Chinese support for Russia’s military in Ukraine, analysts said.
Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at IISS, said China has mainly supplied dual-use components, not full weapon systems, until now.
Kupol reportedly received seven military drones from China, including two G3s, according to invoices and intelligence sources.
The invoices, reviewed by Reuters, indicated the drones were delivered to Kupol in Russia for further testing with Chinese help.
The documents did not identify the Chinese specialists involved in the project, and Reuters couldn’t determine their identities.
Intelligence sources said the delivery of these drones marks the first evidence of whole UAVs being supplied from China.
The White House National Security Council expressed deep concern, citing potential Chinese involvement in aiding Russia’s war effort.
The White House stated it hadn’t seen evidence of the Chinese government’s knowledge but urged China to monitor its companies.
NATO also responded, with a spokesperson saying that Allies are consulting on the issue, calling the reports deeply concerning.
The UK Foreign Office urged China to stop supporting Russia’s military efforts, adding it contradicts Beijing’s claim of neutrality.
China has repeatedly denied supplying Russia with weapons, maintaining that it is neutral in the ongoing conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia received 140,000 drones in 2023 and plans to boost drone production significantly.