Chinese Drone Experts Aiding Sanctioned Russian Weapons Maker: Report

The collaboration appears to have allowed Russia to add a new variant of long-range attack drone.

A CS-5000T drone is on display during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Sept 3, 2025. Pedro Padro/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese drone experts have traveled to Russia to work on military drones at a state-owned weapons manufacturer already under Western sanctions, Reuters reported.

The Chinese experts visited IEMZ Kupol’s weapon facilities more than six times since mid-2024, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two European security officials and company documents reviewed by the outlet.