Archive · 25 Jul 2025
China Accused of Supplying Russia with Drone Engines, Disguised
Imagine Russia is fighting in a war, and they need engines for their drones.
Because of the fighting, other countries have put rules in place to stop Russia from getting what it needs.
But it looks like China is helping Russia get these engines by pretending they are something else, like cooling units.
These engines are then used in the drones Russia uses.
Russia is making more and more of these drones.
Other countries are not happy about this and are asking China to stop.
China says they don't know anything about it.
China is allegedly supplying Russia with drone engines disguised as cooling units, violating sanctions.
The engines, produced by Xiamen Limbach, are used in Garpiya-A1 attack drones deployed in Ukraine.
Russian drone production has surged, with over 1,500 Garpiya drones delivered by April.
Shipments reportedly go through a network of front companies to avoid scrutiny.
China denies any knowledge of the engine shipments.
- Who
- China is accused of supplying engines to Russia's state-owned weapons maker IEMZ Kupol.
- What
- China is allegedly supplying Russia with drone engines, disguised to avoid sanctions.
- When
- The engine shipments are ongoing.
- Where
- The engines travel from China to Russia, then to Izhevsk, where Kupol is based, and are used in Ukraine.
- Why
- To help Russia with its drone production, circumventing Western sanctions.
China's Stance
European Security Officials
Knowledge of Shipments
China's Stance
China is unaware of the engine shipments.
European Security Officials
European security officials and documents suggest that China is deliberately supplying engines to Russia.
- Engine Maker
- Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co (China)
- Drone Type
- Garpiya-A1
- Drone Usage
- Attack
- Front Company
- SMP-138
- Russian Production Goal (2025)
- 6,000 drones
- Reported Monthly Drone Use
- 500