Russia is developing a new drone with a Chinese engine

Reuters sources showed photos of this alleged drone, but journalists could not confirm their authenticity.

The Russian Federation began production of a new long-range strike drone called the Harpy-A1. It uses a Chinese engine and parts. This was reported by Reuters with reference to its sources.

The company IEMZ Kupol, which is a subsidiary of the Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey, is engaged in the production of new drones. Between July 2023 and July 2024, over 2500 Harpies were reportedly produced.

Russia has allegedly already used the Harpy against military and civilian targets in Ukraine. In particular, the sources provided the publication with a photo of an allegedly new drone, but Reuters did not find any information confirming the authenticity of the photo.

The new drone is "very similar to the Shahed," but apparently "has a few distinct features": a unique bolt-on fin and Limbach L-550 E motors. This motor was originally designed and manufactured by a German company, but is now manufactured in China by a local Xiamen Limbach firm.

The take-off weight of the "Harpy" is less than 300 kilograms, and the maximum flight range is 1500 kilometers. This is stated in the production contract between the Kupol company and the Ministry of Defense of Russia. These parameters correspond to the Iranian Shahed-136 drones, which Moscow actively used in Ukraine.

The engine company did not respond to the agency's request for use of their parts.

In the third quarter of this year, Vector and Kupol ordered 100 axles, carburetors and other parts of Limbach engines from the Chinese companies Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries.

Juhang — came under British sanctions in February and American sanctions in May for providing Russia with drone equipment.