Reuters: Russia Develops New Drone in Cooperation With China for Potential Use in Ukraine

IEMZ Kupol (Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant), a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned weapons manufacturer Almaz-Antey, has developed and flight-tested a new drone model, the Garpiya-3 (G3), in China with assistance from local specialists. It’s shown is a report Kupol submitted to the Russian Defense Ministry (MOD) earlier this year, outlining the company’s work on the project, Reuters reported on September 25.

In a follow-up update, Kupol informed the Russian Defense Ministry that it had the capacity to produce the G3 and other drones at scale in a Chinese factory, enabling their deployment in Ukraine. Kupol, Almaz-Antey, and the Russian MOD did not respond to requests for comment. China’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of the project, adding that the country maintains strict control over drone exports.

According to Reuters, Kupol has ordered delivery of seven military drones from China, including two G3 models, according to invoices, issued by a Russian firm acting as an intermediary with Chinese suppliers. They indicate that payment was requested in Chinese yuan but do not specify delivery dates or identify the suppliers involved.

According to Russian reports, the G3 drone has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers and can carry a payload of up to 50 kilograms. Samples of the G3 and other drone models produced in China have been delivered to Kupol’s headquarters in Izhevsk, Russia, for further testing, with the ongoing involvement of Chinese specialists. However, the documents do not identify the Chinese experts.

Two European intelligence sources told that the delivery of these drones to Kupol marks the first confirmed evidence of Chinese-manufactured UAVs being supplied to Russia since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion.

Earlier, Russia introduced a new Garpiya-A1 attack drone with Chinese engine.