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How Chinese Mesh Modems Ended Up in Russian Drones Striking Deep Into Ukraine
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Chinese technology company Shenzhen Xingkai Technology has reportedly agreed to supply mesh communication modems to a Russian drone manufacturing facility, despite being informed that the equipment would be used for military purposes, according to an investigation by The Insider on October 14.
The investigation revealed that the Chinese manufacturer was willing to provide communication systems to a drone production facility in Alabuga, Russia, where the equipment could be used to support long-range drone operations against Ukraine.
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A journalist from The Insider examined a Xingkai Tech mesh modem recovered from a Russian Gerbera drone in Ukraine before contacting the manufacturer while posing as a Russian military equipment supplier.
During the exchange, the investigator obtained evidence that the company was prepared to supply the equipment to the Alabuga facility, despite being explicitly informed of its intended military application.
When the journalists requested a quotation for 500 devices to be delivered to Alabuga, the manufacturer issued an invoice totaling 19.5 million yuan (approximately $2.87 million)
According to the investigation, Shenzhen Xingkai Technology continued discussing the potential transaction even after the prospective buyers disclosed that the modems were intended for military use.
The company also reportedly proposed processing payments through accounts at DBS Bank, Ping An Bank, and China Merchants Bank.
The Insider estimates that Shenzhen Xingkai Technology accounts for approximately half of the market for high-powered mesh modems used in Russian Geran and Gerbera drones, making its supplies particularly important to Russian military equipment manufacturers.
The investigation also highlighted the role of mesh communication technology in enabling Russian drones to operate at extended distances over Ukrainian territory.
Unlike conventional communication systems that rely on a direct connection between an operator and a drone, mesh networks allow multiple devices to transmit data through interconnected nodes. Under this system, individual drones can function as signal relays, maintaining communication with other aircraft operating beyond the direct range of their operators.
This capability allows Russian drones to receive commands and be manually controlled during flights deep into Ukrainian territory, enabling operators to exploit gaps in Ukraine's air defense coverage.
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The findings come amid broader scrutiny of Chinese companies’ alleged involvement in supporting Russia’s military activities, even as the European Union and Beijing negotiate trade arrangements involving other Chinese firms.
The European Union is considering lifting trade restrictions on an unidentified Chinese company accused of supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine as part of a proposed agreement with Beijing aimed at protecting a key supplier to ASML Holding NV.
Under the proposed arrangement, China would remove restrictions on Sindlhauser Materials GmbH, a small German company that supplies components within ASML’s semiconductor manufacturing supply chain.
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