A new revelation by Ukrainian intelligence has brought to light a groundbreaking discovery – a new Russian drone engineered entirely from Chinese components. The unveiling of this fully Chinese-made drone signifies a significant development in the realm of military technology, as it marks the first instance of Russia deploying weaponry constructed solely from Chinese parts. The cooperation between Beijing and Moscow demonstrated through this technological collaboration shows a deepening bond despite previous assurances from Xi Jinping regarding China’s non-involvement in providing lethal aid to any party in the Ukrainian conflict.
While Chinese technology has been integrated into various Russian weapons in the past, in all instances the Chinese components were fused with parts from other nations. According to reports from Ukrainian intelligence, they were able to seize and dismantle two of these new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One of the drones, the UAV CBTS.611000, is designed primarily for reconnaissance and deceptive operations, with the ability to accommodate a warhead of up to 15kg.
Approximately fifty percent of the components in one of the drones were manufactured by CUAV Technology, a company situated in Guangdong province renowned as an ‘open source drone solution supplier.’ These integral parts incorporated a host of advanced features such as a flight controller with autopilot, navigation modules, antennas, airspeed sensor, and a pitot tube. Despite CUAV Technology announcing restrictions on product exports to Russia and Ukraine in 2022 to deter military applications, these drones were equipped with CUAV components.
Aside from CUAV Technology’s contributions, the Chinese drones reportedly included components from Mile Haoxiang Technology, Foxeer Technology, and a Chinese replica of the Australian RFD900X data transmission module. Ukraine’s intelligence agency highlighted the significance of these components in enhancing the drones’ surveillance capabilities through advanced data transmission systems.
Furthermore, previously undisclosed details emerged stating that 80% of electronic components featured in Russian drones originated from China, as affirmed by the US state department. China’s continued denial of supplying lethal arms to any entity involved in the Ukrainian conflict contrasts with the mounting evidence of Chinese components used in Russian military assets. A post by Ukraine’s intelligence agency on Telegram cited the drones’ distinctive delta-wing fuselage, resembling characteristics of the Shahed-136 drones but in a smaller size.
The Shahed drones, known as Geran-2 in Russia, serve as kamikaze UAVs utilized extensively by Moscow in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Recent images of a damaged Geran-2 unveiled aspects where components were sourced from a machining company in Suzhou province, China. This revelation further underscores the intricate connections between international alliances and the flow of technology in military conflicts.
