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yesterday

Covert Chinese Engine Supplies Sustain Russia’s Garpiya-A1 Drone Surge

Evidence shows Chinese L550E engines continue to be disguised as industrial refrigeration units to maintain shipments to state-owned IEMZ Kupol

Truck carrying containers move at Yantian port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
Russia’s kamikaze drones in Ukraine powered by Chinese engines
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Overview

  • Documents and European security officials confirm L550E engines are covertly shipped to IEMZ Kupol labeled as industrial refrigeration units.
  • Shipments are channeled through Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade and routed via front companies SMP-138 and LIBSS to evade U.S. and EU export controls.
  • An internal Kupol contract commits to producing over 6,000 Garpiya-A1 drones in 2025, a threefold increase from 2024, with more than 1,500 units delivered by April.
  • The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reports Russia is deploying roughly 500 Garpiya-A1 kamikaze drones per month against civilian and military targets in Ukraine.
  • China’s foreign ministry denies awareness of improper exports and asserts export compliance, while EU officials press Beijing to strengthen dual-use controls.