Russia running 'top-secret' weapons project in China: Intelligence documents leaked to press

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

According to documents from European intelligence agencies leaked to the international press, Russia has established a weapons program in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for use in the war against Ukraine.

It is reported that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned weapons company Almaz-Antey, has developed and conducted flight tests for a new drone model called Garpiya-3 (G3) in China with the help of Chinese experts.

According to a Reuters report, European intelligence agencies became aware of the 'new weapon' after obtaining reports that Kupol submitted to the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the weapon being developed.

In the documents obtained by Reuters, Kupol informed the Russian Ministry of Defense that it could produce various unmanned aerial vehicles, including the G3, at a factory in China and that these weapons could be deployed in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Relations between Russia and China have developed rapidly in economic and military terms since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022

CHINA DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS

Kupol, Almaz-Antey, and the Russian Ministry of Defense did not respond to requests for comment for the Reuters report. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that they were not aware of such a project and that Beijing has strict control measures over the export of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies, stated that if the delivery of UAVs from China to Russia were confirmed, it would be a significant development.

The Russian and Chinese militaries conduct joint military exercises at different times

US IS MONITORING THE ALLEGATIONS

The White House National Security Council stated that it was deeply concerned by the Reuters report regarding the drone program.

The Council said the report appeared to be an example of a Chinese company providing 'lethal' aid to a Russian firm sanctioned by the US.

On the other hand, Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank Center for a New American Security, argued that Beijing would be hesitant to face international sanctions for helping Moscow.

Bendett added that more information is needed to confirm that China is hosting the production of Russian military drones.

News Source: 12punto