Russia has begun manufacturing a new long-range attack drone, dubbed the Garpiya-A1, using Chinese engines and components, according to documents and sources from a European intelligence agency. The drone has been deployed in the ongoing war in Ukraine, causing significant damage to critical infrastructure and resulting in civilian and military casualties.
The Garpiya-A1, meaning “Harpy” in Russian, is produced by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey. The company has manufactured over 2,500 drones between July 2023 and July 2024, with production expected to continue.
The drone’s development marks a departure from Russia’s reliance on Iranian designs for long-range drones. Experts suggest that Russia’s partnership with China indicates a shift towards domestic development and increased dependence on Chinese components.
Key Findings:
- Russia’s Garpiya-A1 drone uses Chinese Limbach L-550 E engines and components from Chinese companies.
- Production began in July 2023 at a factory in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic, western Russia.
- Over 2,500 drones have been manufactured, with a production rate of several hundred in the second half of 2023 and over 2,000 in the first half of 2024.
- The drone has a take-off weight of less than 300 kg and a maximum range of 1,500 km.
- Ukraine’s top military commander reported nearly 14,000 strike drones fired by Russia since February 2022.
International Concerns:
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged China to stop supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing Beijing’s assistance as a significant factor in the conflict’s continuation. The United States has imposed sanctions aimed at curbing Moscow’s ability to exploit certain technologies for military purposes.
China’s Response:
China’s foreign ministry stated that Beijing strictly controls the export of items with potential military applications and is committed to promoting peace talks and a political settlement in Ukraine.
