China Supplies Critical Drone Components to Russia

Kokcha News Agency: The British newspaper The Telegraph has reported that Chinese companies provided essential parts and materials for drone manufacturing to Russian firms under sanctions during 2023 and 2024. Based on global trade records, the newspaper identified that Chinese suppliers sent components such as aircraft engines, microchips, metal alloys, camera lenses, fiberglass, and carbon fiber to Russian drone manufacturers.

Approximately a quarter of these shipments were directed to sanctioned Russian companies in the Alabuga region of Tataristan, which is linked to the production of Iranian-made “Shahed” drones. The Telegraph identified a total of 97 Chinese suppliers involved in these transactions.

A Ukrainian air defense pilot, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the presence of Chinese-made components in downed drones, stating, “We consistently find circuit boards and chips from China, clearly marked with Chinese characters and manufacturer information.”

In 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on two Chinese firms accused of playing a role in the production and shipment of Russia’s long-range “Garpiya” drones, which have been used to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, causing mass casualties.

China, however, maintains that it strictly controls the export of dual-use products with both military and civilian applications.