Russia has reportedly developed a weapons program in China to produce long-range attack drones for its war in Ukraine, according to sources from a European intelligence agency and documents reviewed by *Reuters*. The project, spearheaded by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russia's state-owned arms company Almaz-Antey, involves the production of a new drone model, Garpiya-3 (G3), with the help of Chinese specialists. These drones are intended for deployment in Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Kupol has allegedly been working with Chinese firms to manufacture these drones at scale in China, with several samples already delivered to Russia for further testing. The Garpiya-3 can reportedly travel 2,000 kilometers carrying a 50-kilogram payload. Notably, the program also outlines plans for future drone production in China, including the potential development of a drone similar to the U.S. Reaper, capable of carrying 400 kilograms.

The White House National Security Council expressed deep concern over this development, noting that it could represent a case of Chinese companies providing lethal assistance to Russia, in violation of international sanctions. While there is no current evidence that the Chinese government is directly involved, NATO and the UK government have also voiced serious concerns about the potential ramifications of this cooperation.

China's foreign ministry, in response, denied knowledge of the program and reiterated that Beijing maintains strict controls over the export of drones. However, experts warn that if true, this drone collaboration could open China to international sanctions, given the critical role drones play in modern warfare.

As both Russia and Ukraine ramp up their drone capabilities, the emergence of this alleged Russian-Chinese partnership adds another layer of complexity to the global geopolitical landscape.