It looks like Russia is developing long range attack drones
in China and using them to bolster its war efforts
in Ukraine.
That's according to some new Intel reports from European sources.
Russian arms manufacturer IMZ Kupal, a subsidiary of a state
owned arms company, is leading the project.
The company developed a new drone model called the Garpaia
with assistance from Chinese specialists.
Garbia is Russian for Harpy, but the drones look a
lot like Iran's Shaheed's.
Kupal informed the Russian Defense Ministry it can mass produce
the drones at a Chinese factory, preparing them for deployments
in Ukraine.
Reports indicate 7 military drones were already delivered to Kapol's
headquarters in Russia.
These Chinese built drones have a range of approximately 1200
miles and can carry a payload of £110.
The United States is expressing serious concerns about these reports,
calling it an example of Chinese companies providing lethal aid
to AUS sanctioned Russian firm.
While there is no direct evidence the Chinese government was
involved, few things happen in China without the ruling party's
knowledge, which is why Washington is urging Beijing to ensure
its companies are not supporting Russia's war effort.
China's foreign ministry denied knowledge of such a project and
reiterated that it controls the export of drones.
Beijing consistently denied providing weapons to Russia, claiming it remains
neutral in the conflict, But there are an increasing number
of reports from the front lines showing more and more
Chinese components being used in Russia's weapons.
European intelligence sources described this as the first confirmed instance
of complete Chinese made drones being sent to Russia since
the war in Ukraine began.
The project is expected to expand, with Coupull planning to
develop another drone model in China, the RIM one similar
to the US Reaper drone and capable of carrying an
880 LB payload.
Both Russia and Ukraine are ramping up drone production, with
drones becoming a critical tool on the battlefield.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russian soldiers received around 140,000
drones in 2023.
Moscow plans to increase production tenfold in 2024 to meet
wartime demands.
For Straight Arrow News, I'm Ryan Robertson.
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