Russia Develops Garpiya-A1 Kamikaze Drone with Chinese Components
Russia has begun producing a new long-range attack drone, the Garpiya-A1, utilizing Chinese engines and components. This drone has been actively deployed in the conflict against Ukraine, and over 2,500 units were manufactured between July 2023 and July 2024. The production is spearheaded by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the state-owned defense giant Almaz-Antey.
Deployment in Ukraine and Its Impact
The Garpiya-A1 has been used to strike both military and civilian targets across Ukraine. The drones have caused significant damage to infrastructure, as well as civilian and military casualties. This deployment, however, has not been widely reported, and many details regarding the drone’s capabilities remain confidential. Images purportedly showing wreckage of the Garpiya in Ukraine have surfaced, though independent verification remains challenging.
Chinese Technology and Components Powering Russian Drones
A key feature of the Garpiya is its use of Chinese-made Limbach L-550 E engines. Originally designed by a German company, these engines are now manufactured in China by Xiamen Limbach. Kupol has imported a range of components from Chinese firms, including engine parts from Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries, both based in Shenzhen. Documents indicate that over 800 Chinese engines were delivered to the production facility.
Russian Drone Production on the Rise
The production of the Garpiya-A1 has been ramping up steadily. In the second half of 2023, Kupol produced several hundred units, with production accelerating to over 2,000 units in the first half of 2024. The drones are manufactured at a former cement factory in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, which Kupol purchased in 2020. This factory is now a central hub for drone production, with recent video footage confirming its location through architectural analysis and satellite imagery.
Comparison to Iran’s Shahed Drones
The Garpiya-A1 shares similarities with Iran’s Shahed-136 drones, which have been extensively used by Russia since the onset of the war. Both drones are designed for long-range attacks and are capable of carrying out kamikaze-style strikes. While Iran has denied supplying drones for use in Ukraine, the Shahed-136 has become a key part of Russia’s drone arsenal, alongside the Geran-2 and Lancet drones.
Growing Concern Over China’s Role
Western intelligence agencies have raised alarms over China’s involvement in supplying technology and components to Russia’s defense sector. NATO and U.S. officials have urged Beijing to stop supporting Russia’s military efforts. While China has emphasized its commitment to peace talks and diplomatic solutions, it has also defended its right to engage in trade with Russia, arguing that no international laws prohibit such activities.
International Sanctions and Chinese Export Controls
China has faced increasing scrutiny over its role in Russia’s drone production. In response to sanctions, China announced in July 2024 that it would tighten controls on drone exports starting in September. Nevertheless, Chinese companies continue to supply Russia with key components marked for “general industrial use,” allowing the Kremlin to maintain its drone manufacturing efforts.
Russia’s Drone Capabilities in the War
Russia’s production of drones, including the Garpiya-A1, has become a critical element of its war strategy in Ukraine. With nearly 14,000 strike drones used since the invasion began in 2022, Ukraine remains under constant threat from both Russian-made and foreign-sourced drones. The Garpiya-A1’s range of 1,500 kilometers and 300-kilogram take-off weight make it a formidable weapon in Russia’s arsenal.
Supply Chain Links to China and Ongoing Production
Further documents show that TSK Vektor, a Russian supplier, has been procuring parts from Chinese companies for Kupol’s drone production. These parts include essential components such as carburettors and axles. Despite facing international sanctions, companies like Juhang and Redlepus continue to send critical supplies to Russian factories, enabling ongoing production of the Garpiya-A1.
Future Outlook and International Responses
As the conflict continues, international pressure on China to cease support for Russia’s defense industry is likely to intensify. Despite U.S. and European sanctions, Chinese companies play a crucial role in supplying technology for Russia’s military operations. Meanwhile, Russia remains committed to increasing its drone production, as demonstrated by the Garpiya-A1, which is poised to play an increasingly significant role in the conflict.