Russia Launches Development and Production Project for Drones in China: Reuters

Russia has launched a program in China for the development and production of long-range strike drones, which are intended for use in the Ukraine war. This was reported by Reuters, referring to European intelligence sources and relevant documents, according to Meduza.

According to the agency, the Izhvsk 'Kupol' electromechanical plant has conducted flight tests of a new model of the Harpy-3 drone in China with the participation of local specialists. Reuters cites a report that 'Kupol' sent to the Russian Ministry of Defense earlier this year. Later, the plant informed the agency that it could produce a large number of drones, including the Harpy-3, at the factory in China for use in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

According to reports obtained by Reuters, the Harpy-3 drones can cover a distance of nearly two thousand kilometers with a payload of 50 kilograms. Samples of the Harpy-3 produced in China, along with some other drones, have been delivered to Russia for further testing with the involvement of Chinese experts.

The documents mentioned that the names of the Chinese specialists were not disclosed. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has informed the agency that it is unaware of such a project. The ministry added that China strictly controls the export of drones.