Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Chinese Drone Experts Assist Sanctioned Russian Arms Maker
Russia, at war in Ukraine, is getting help from China for its drone production.
Chinese experts are assisting the sanctioned Russian arms maker, Kupol, with technical work, drone assembly, and staff training.
Kupol has received shipments of Chinese-made drones, including models similar to Iran's Shahed drone.
This collaboration has raised concerns among Western governments who have imposed sanctions on some of the involved companies.
China claims it does not supply lethal weapons, but the cooperation with Kupol continues, despite the sanctions.
Chinese drone experts are assisting the sanctioned Russian arms manufacturer, IEMZ Kupol.
IEMZ Kupol has received shipments of Chinese-made attack and surveillance drones.
Chinese experts have visited Kupol on multiple occasions since the second quarter of 2024.
The drones were supplied by Russian defense procurement company TSK Vektor, under U.S. and EU sanctions.
The collaboration suggests a deepening relationship between Kupol and Chinese companies.
- Who
- Chinese drone experts and the Russian arms manufacturer, IEMZ Kupol.
- What
- Chinese experts are providing technical support and supplying drones to the sanctioned Russian arms manufacturer, IEMZ Kupol.
- When
- Chinese experts have been visiting Kupol since the second quarter of 2024.
- Where
- At Kupol's facilities in Izhevsk, Russia, and the Chebarkul military test site.
- Why
- To assist in the development and production of military drones for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Western Governments
China
Drone Supply
Western Governments
Express concerns over Chinese companies supplying Russian arms makers.
China
Maintains an objective and fair position on the Ukraine crisis, never providing lethal weapons or dual-use items like drones.
- Russian Arms Maker
- IEMZ Kupol
- Chinese Drone Makers
- Sichuan AEE, Hunan Haotianyi
- Drones Supplied
- A140, A900, A60, A100, A200, HW52V, Garpiya, GA-21
- Procurement Company
- TSK Vektor
- Drone Testing Location
- Chebarkul, Russia
- Chinese Involvement
- Technical work, assembly, and training
