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18h ago

Covert Chinese Engines Labeled as Cooling Units Fuel Surge in Russian Drone Production

Disguising L550E engines as refrigeration units, front companies in China and Russia evade Western sanctions to sustain roughly 500 Garpiya-A1 drone launches each month.

Truck carrying containers move at Yantian port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
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Overview

  • Chinese-made L550E engines are covertly shipped to state-owned IEMZ Kupol through front firms Beijing Xichao, SMP-138 and LIBSS under the guise of industrial refrigeration units.
  • An internal Kupol document reveals a 2025 contract with Russia’s defense ministry for over 6,000 Garpiya-A1 drones, up from 2,000 in 2024, with more than 1,500 delivered by April.
  • The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reports Russia deploys about 500 Garpiya-A1 kamikaze drones each month against civilian and military targets deep inside Ukraine.
  • Sanctions imposed on Xiamen Limbach and other suppliers have failed to halt engine deliveries, highlighting loopholes in controls on dual-use goods.
  • European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, are intensifying diplomatic pressure on China to tighten export regulations before a summit with Xi Jinping.