Ukrainian radio technology specialist Serhiy Beskrestnov, also known as Serhiy Flash, has raised doubts about Russia’s claim of developing a new fiber-optic-controlled drone, the “Vandal.” Beskrestnov suggested that the drone may, in fact, be sourced from China rather than a domestic creation. In a social media post, he claimed the drone is likely a Chinese model, purchased at a relatively low price.
Chinese Showcase Commercial Drone Controlled by Fiber Optics
Such drones are protected from electronic warfare. The Russian analogue – the FPV drone ” Prince Vandal Novgorodsky ” has already been successfully used in the Kursk region.
Now, the Chinese company Skywalker… pic.twitter.com/WO8TVo5ieu
— SIMPLICIUS Ѱ (@simpatico771) August 18, 2024
These suspicions follow a broader pattern of Russia incorporating Chinese technology into its drone production. According to a report from Reuters, Russia has been using Chinese engines to produce its long-range Garpiya drones, which have been deployed in Ukraine since mid-2023. The Garpiya drones, with a range of 1,500 kilometers, bear similarities to Iranian Shahed drones but are powered by engines now produced by the Chinese company Xiamen Limbach.
Intelligence sources cited by Reuters revealed that Russia’s state-owned IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of defense contractor Almaz-Antey, has produced over 2,500 Garpiya drones in the past year. Possibly showcasing Russia’s increasing reliance on foreign technology, particularly from China, to support its military operations.
Russia began producing the Garpiya-A1 long-range attack drone last year, using Chinese engines and parts, and deployed it in Ukraine, according to European intelligence agencies and Reuters documents. IEMZ Kupol produced over 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024. pic.twitter.com/VQTq6LkWYk
— Daily News Field (@Daly_News_Field) September 13, 2024
While Russia’s Defense Ministry and the Chinese companies involved have not commented on these claims, the revelations have added to concerns over China’s role in supporting Russia’s war efforts. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently called on China to cease its military support for Russia.
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