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Ukrainian Intelligence Warns: Russia Uses Drone Made Solely With Chinese Technology

Published on 26/07/2025 at 17:42
Updated on 26/07/2025 at 22:43
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Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals That New Russian Drone, Used As Decoy, Is Produced Solely With Chinese Components From CUAV Technology

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR) stated that Russia is utilizing a new model of decoy drone made entirely with Chinese components.

The discovery, announced on Tuesday, July 22, reinforces the perception that Beijing is increasingly involved in military support to Moscow during the war in Ukraine.

According to the GUR, this may be the first time that a Russian piece of equipment is comprised exclusively of parts sourced from China.

The new drone stands out for being a weapon with delta wings, resembling to some extent the well-known Shahed-136, but with smaller dimensions.

Besides its function as a decoy to saturate Ukrainian air defenses, it is also capable of carrying a warhead of up to 15 kilograms.

Most importantly, says the GUR, Russia has been employing enhanced tactics, combining drones like this one to overwhelm defense lines.

Some of the Chinese components found in a new Russian decoy drone. (GUR)

Identified Chinese Components

According to the GUR’s War&Sanctions project, all blocks and parts found in these drones are of Chinese origin.

The Ukrainian team managed to recover at least two specimens. The first had almost half of its components manufactured by a single company, CUAV Technology.

Among the items are the flight controller with autopilot, navigation modules, antennas, and an airspeed sensor.

The CUAV Technology website describes the company as a “National High-Tech Company and a Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative Company from Guangdong Province.”

The company operates in the field of unmanned systems technology, integrating research, development, production, and sales.

Ignored Restriction

The GUR emphasized that the presence of these parts is notable because CUAV Technology announced, in October 2022, restrictions on supplying products to Russia and Ukraine.

The decision aimed to prevent its products from being used in military applications.

However, in 2023, Russia presented a vertical takeoff drone that, according to the GUR, was identical to a CUAV product sold on AliExpress.

Therefore, the new Russian decoy model is not only a direct purchase of Chinese drones but indicates a method of local production, integrating imported parts.

Technological Dependence

Moscow has been increasingly relying on Chinese technology in its drones, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Last month, the GUR identified that a Russian barrage drone V2U, used in the Sumy region, operated with AI systems capable of autonomously selecting targets.

This equipment used the Chinese Leetop A203 minicomputer and an American-origin NVIDIA Jetson Orin processor.

Additionally, Russia has benefited from optical fiber coils supplied by China, which allow extending the range of drones controlled by this type of cable up to 50 km.

This technology ensures greater security against electronic interference and facilitates control in areas with natural obstacles.

Various Origins of Components

Although this new drone is entirely Chinese, other Russian equipment analyzed by the GUR revealed varied origins.

An example is the Shahed-136 drone, which contained parts from the United States, Iran, Taiwan, and other countries. The same occurred with the Russian UCAV S-70 Okhotnik-B, shot down in a friendly fire incident.

Foreign parts have also been found in missiles and Russian systems, such as the Banderol S-8000, which included components from Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, as well as the US and China.

In the early months of the war, the GUR released lists of Russian weapons containing foreign chips, found in systems like the Barnaul-T, Pantsir, Ka-52 Alligator helicopters, and Kh-101 missiles.

Chinese Support and Strategic Relationship

China is not limited to providing components. In May, reports indicated that Russia began using a Chinese laser system to neutralize Ukrainian drones.

Although it is unclear to what extent these systems are operational, images published on Telegram showed equipment very similar to those previously supplied to Iran.

Additionally, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, stated in a meeting with European Union representatives that Beijing cannot allow Moscow to lose the war.

According to information released by CNN, Wang declared that a Russian defeat could allow the US to concentrate efforts against China.

Geopolitical Scenario

This rapprochement between Russia and China reveals a relationship of convenience, uniting the two countries in a direct challenge to the interests of the US and its allies.

Officially, Beijing maintains a stance of neutrality, but in practice, its logistical and technological support for the Kremlin shows a clear strategic position.

The Chinese assistance differs from the direct contribution of North Korea, which has already sent missiles, artillery, millions of cartridges, and more than 11,000 soldiers to support Russia.

Nonetheless, the electronic components supplied by China have become essential to keep the Russian military-industrial complex operational.

The expectation, according to GUR analysts, is that the presence of Chinese components in Russian weapons will increase even further.

The reason is simple: Russia has adjusted its economy for a war setup and has shifted part of its supply chain to Chinese suppliers. Therefore, it is prov

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Carvalho
Carvalho
30/07/2025 19:38

Duas ditaduras **** se juntando com o monstro da Coreia do Norte e os terroristas iranianos , usando a morte do povo ucraniano como campo de testes para matança, é triste vermos nosso Brasil alinhados e sendo parceiros dessa insanidade.

Aj amaral
Aj amaral
Reply to  Carvalho
31/07/2025 10:50

Contra outra **** que acha que e o imperadorcdo mundo e seus cassalos ucranianos. Boa briga que se arrebentem

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide variety of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, naval industry, geopolitics, renewable energy, and economics. Active since 2015, with prominent publications on major news portals. My background in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10,000 articles published in renowned outlets, I always aim to provide detailed information and relevant insights for the reader.

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