According to European security experts, shipments from China have been pivotal in allowing the Russian company Kupol to scale its production of Garpiya-A1 attack drones. This is happening despite sanctions from the U.S. and the EU that were enacted back in October.
Documents leaked from within Kupol suggest that they’ve secured a contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry to manufacture more than 6,000 Garpiya drones this year, a major jump from the 2,000 units initially planned for 2024. As of April, they’ve already shipped over 1,500 drones, according to a report from Reuters.
Ukrainian intelligence has reported that these drones are being deployed to target both military and civilian sites deep within Ukraine, with Russia launching around 500 of them each month.
Previous investigations by Western media have highlighted the crucial role of Chinese suppliers in equipping Russia with components necessary for their attack drones that are being used against Ukraine.
Additional Insights:
On July 7, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine indicated that 60-65% of the electronic parts found in Shahed drones – which Russia uses on a daily basis – are produced in China.
Major Robert Magyar (Brovdi), leading the Unmanned Systems Forces in Ukraine, expressed concerns on July 4 regarding Russia’s capability to launch over 1,000 drones in a single day.
Notably, Yurii Ihnat, communications head for Ukraine’s Air Force, remarked on June 7 that Russia has been ramping up drone production, even launching up to 500 in one night.
On April 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the media, stating that evidence had emerged showing that the SBU Security Service and intelligence have managed to intercept proof of China’s supply of gunpowder and artillery to Russia, along with reports of joint weapon production on Russian soil.
Further Exploration:
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Zelenskyy’s assertions regarding weapons being sent to Russia as “baseless.”
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Section: Business
Author: Богуслав Романенко
