China Supplies 80% of Electronics in Russian Drones, Ukrainian Intelligence Reports
China plays a critical role in sustaining Russia’s military drone production by supplying approximately 80% of the essential electronics.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukrinform.
Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence, disclosed in an interview with Ukrinform that Chinese entities are directly providing gunpowder, specialized chemicals, machinery, and components to at least 20 Russian defense manufacturing facilities.
“We have verified intelligence confirming that China delivers advanced machinery, specialty chemicals, gunpowder, and crucial components to Russian plants designated for military production,” Ivashchenko stated.
Between 2024 and 2025, Ukrainian intelligence identified at least five instances of aviation-related collaboration between China and Russia. These exchanges involved the transfer of equipment, spare parts, and technical documentation essential for Russia’s aerospace sector. In addition, six documented shipments included large volumes of specialty chemicals.
Ivashchenko emphasized that Chinese companies often conceal the true nature of their shipments by using intermediary firms, false labeling, and complex proxy networks. This covert approach facilitates the discreet flow of microelectronics vital to Russia’s military manufacturing and drone capabilities.
Further highlighting the close ties, China recently launched six satellites for Spacety – a firm previously sanctioned by the United States for providing satellite imagery to the Russian Wagner Group paramilitary organization. The satellites were deployed on May 17 via the Zhuque-2E rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
This growing cooperation underscores China’s strategic support for Russia amid ongoing conflicts, raising concerns about the international community’s ability to effectively monitor and restrict military-related technology transfers.
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