China Bypasses Sanctions to Supply Drone Engines to Russia through Covert Network

Chinese drone engines labeled as "cooling units" have been sent to Russia through a covert supply chain, bypassing EU and US sanctions. The engines, made by Xiamen Limbach Aviation, were falsely labeled and shipped via Beijing Xichao International Technology to IEMZ Kupol, enabling the production of Russia's long-range precision strike drone, the Garpiya-A1. The shipments have increased production to 6,000 units this year.

Chinese-made drone engines, labeled as "cooling units," have been covertly shipped to Russia through a complex supply chain, bypassing EU and US sanctions. The engines, produced by Xiamen Limbach Aviation, were falsely labeled and transported via Beijing Xichao International Technology to IEMZ Kupol, Russia's state-owned drone manufacturer. This covert operation has significantly boosted the production of Russia's long-range precision strike drone, the Garpiya-A1, with plans to produce over 6,000 units this year [1].

The covert supply chain involves shipping the engines via front companies, with the goods described as "industrial refrigeration units" to avoid detection. This strategy has allowed IEMZ Kupol to increase its production despite the sanctions imposed by the US and EU in October 2024. The EU has urged China to stop trade sustaining Russia's military, highlighting the threat to European security posed by Chinese firms' support [2].

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency reported that the Garpiya-A1 drones, based on the Iranian-made Shahed drones but with Chinese technology, have been deployed to attack civilian and military targets deep within Ukrainian territory. Russia is currently using around 500 drones per month, with the number of drones in use expected to increase as production ramps up [3].

China has stated that it is unaware of the export of parts for the Garpiya and that it controls foreign sales of dual-use goods in line with its own laws and international obligations. However, European officials have expressed concern that China's support for Russia's war effort could escalate tensions and undermine European security [2].

The covert supply chain and the increased production of Garpiya-A1 drones highlight the challenges of enforcing sanctions and the potential impact on global security. As the war in Ukraine continues, the role of Chinese technology in Russia's military capabilities will remain a focal point for international diplomacy and geopolitical analysis.

References:
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinese-engines-shipped-as-cooling-units-power-russian-drones-used-in-ukraine
[2] https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/attachment/271454/
[3] https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drones-putin-attacks-0a06736dea37114aa0f351d21746912b