Chinese Engines Shipped as ‘Cooling Units’ Fuel Russia’s Drone Attacks in Ukraine
Chinese-made engines are being covertly funneled to a Russian state-owned weapons manufacturer under the guise of “industrial refrigeration units,” allowing Moscow to dramatically boost production of drones used in attacks across Ukraine, The Gaze reports, citing Reuters.
The engines—manufactured by Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co—are powering Russia’s Garpiya-A1 long-range drones, which have been deployed in large numbers against both military and civilian targets. The shipments continue despite Western sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s drone production capabilities.
According to internal documents from Russia’s IEMZ Kupol, the company has signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to produce over 6,000 Garpiya drones in 2025—tripling its output from the previous year. More than 1,500 had already been delivered by April.
To bypass sanctions imposed by the U.S. and E.U., a new Chinese company—Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade—has taken over as the supplier of the engines, labeling them as cooling equipment. Shipping and customs documents reviewed by Reuters confirm the deception, which involved routing the components through Russian front companies SMP-138 and LIBSS.
A contract between LIBSS and Kupol stated explicitly that the engine shipments would be disguised as cooling units “because of their sensitivity.”
China’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying it was unaware of any such exports and reiterated its position that it “opposes unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law.” Chinese authorities claim they maintain strict controls on dual-use goods, but the ongoing flow of parts suggests otherwise.
European officials, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the escalating trade, which they argue undermines global efforts to hold Russia accountable for its war in Ukraine. “This does not help China and Europe come closer together, diplomatically,” said Meia Nouwens of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The revelations come just days before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The EU has urged Beijing to tighten its export controls and prevent military-use components from reaching Russia.
The Garpiya drone is believed to be modeled on Iran’s Shahed drone and incorporates Chinese-made engines, navigation systems, and control units. Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed that roughly 500 of these drones are launched by Russia each month.
The shipments highlight how sanctions can be sidestepped using shell companies and ambiguous customs declarations, allowing critical military technologies to continue flowing to the Kremlin despite mounting international pressure.
Read more on The Gaze: China's Influence on Russia's Defense Industry: Where to Hit with Sanctions