Сompany Kupol, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned weapons manufacturer Almaz-Antey, has made significant strides in drone technology by developing and flight-testing a new model known as the Garpiya-3 (G3) in China, as detailed in a report submitted to the Russian defense ministry earlier this year. This collaboration with Chinese experts may signal a new phase in military technology advancements between Russia and China.
According to Kupol, the G3 can be produced at scale in China for the continuation war in Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry, along with Kupol and Almaz-Antey, has remained silent on inquiries regarding this development. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry has denied knowledge of such projects, emphasizing the country’s strict regulations on the export of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The prospect of UAVs being delivered from China to Russia raises concerns among international defense analysts. Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed out that the delivery of complete weapon systems, rather than dual-use components, would represent a significant shift in China’s support for Russia. Samuel Bendett from the Center for a New American Security warned that China might hesitate to assist Moscow in this regard, fearing potential backlash from international sanctions.
The G3 drone boasts an impressive range of approximately 2,000 kilometers with a payload capacity of 50 kg. Initial samples of the G3, along with other drone models produced in China, have been delivered to Kupol for further testing. Notably, Kupol has reportedly received seven military drones from chinese sources, with two being G3 models. This delivery marks the first tangible evidence of the transfer of fully functional UAVs from China to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war.
China has consistently denied claims of supplying weapons to Russia, asserting its neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict. The Chinese foreign ministry has criticized other nations for their “double standards on arms sales,” implying that those countries have exacerbated the crisis in Ukraine. In response to claims that Kupol has been producing the Garpiyа.
