Russia’s Zala Aero Group continues to produce combat drones, despite international sanctions, thanks to supplies of equipment and electronics from China.
Chinese companies supply equipment, microelectronics and other components for Russian drone manufacturer Zala Aero Group (manufacturer of “Lancets”)despite international sanctions. This became known from the study The independent Kyivwhich is responsible for internal communication between company employees, customs records and data from the Russian tax service.
Zala Aero Group, famous for the reconnaissance drones Zala and attack drones Lancet, is actively increasing the production of its equipment, which is used on the front lines against Ukraine. Since the full-scale attack, Russia has greatly increased its use of these drones, as evidenced by the company’s investment in new production facilities and equipment.
An important part of this growth was supply of Chinese milling machines and components. For example, one of the companies, Zala Aero Aeroscan, ordered seven devices from the Chinese YangSen for almost 800 thousand dollars. These machines play a key role in the production of drones.
After the start of the war, there were severe restrictions on Russia exporter of microelectronics and equipment. China has become a major partner for Zala Aero, supplying both its own parts and Western-made products through local distributors.
The investigation showed that two Russian companies “OMP” and “Spetstekhnotrade”, associated with Zala Aero employees, to become a major importer of components. They bought products from Chinese and Hong Kong suppliers, including Jiangxi Xintuo Enterprise, Bestop Global MFG and others. Provided they engines, electronics, carbon fiber products and aluminum frames are used to make drones.
However, Zala Aero is not limited to these companies only. Suppliers also include Russian intermediaries, such as Online Trade, which sold components to Zala Aero Group divisions several times in 2024. Although specific products are not specified in service data taxes, customs records show shipments of video cameras, lenses and microelectronics.
Interestingly, components from American, Swiss, German, Korean and other Western companies were found in Lancet drones manufactured by Zala Aero. For example, brands used include Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Infineon Technologies, SK Hynix and NXP Semiconductors.
Despite China’s public statements about limiting the supply of drones and components to Russia, the schemes are still working. Ukrainian sanctions expert Agia Zagrebelskaya explains this “blind blind” manufacturers that only check the first customer, ignoring the end user.
“With such technologies, the manufacturer can identify dangerous buyers, but chose not to do so.” “she says.
This study shows how sanctions on supplies to Russia are bypassed through complex chains of intermediaries, threatening to intensify armed conflict.
Before that Discussion.UA write that Last month, US authorities imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies, helping The Russian Federation in the production of drones “Harpy-3”.
2024-11-25 12:23:00
#China #caught #nostalgia #Ukraine #media
**Considering the complex web of international trade revealed in the article, including components from various countries found in Russian drones, what specific measures can Western governments and international organizations implement to effectively monitor and disrupt these illicit supply chains?**
## Interview: China’s Role in Russian Drone Production
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. We’re joined today by two esteemed experts to discuss a recent exposé by The Kyiv Independent, which reveals how Chinese companies are supplying crucial components to Russia’s Zala Aero Group, a manufacturer of combat drones used against Ukraine.
**Joining us are:**
* **Dr. Emily Chen**, a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, specializing in Chinese foreign policy and technology transfer.
* **Colonel James Riley (Ret.),** a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer with extensive experience analyzing drone warfare and supply chains.
**Section 1: Uncovering the Supply Chain**
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, can you shed light on the findings of The Kyiv Independent’s investigation? What specific evidence emerged linking Chinese companies to Zala Aero Group?
* **Host:** Colonel Riley, how significant are these findings in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine? What impact could these Chinese-supplied drones have on the battlefield?
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, the article mentions components from American, Swiss, German, and Korean companies being found in Russian Lancet drones. How do you explain this complex web of international trade involved in weaponry production despite sanctions?
**Section 2: The Moral and Geopolitical Implications**
* **Host:** Colonel Riley, Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia to limit its military capabilities. How effective are sanctions in halting the flow of critical components when companies like those in China engage in these practices?
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, China has publicly claimed adherence to international sanctions against Russia. Does the evidence presented in this article contradict China’s stance? What are the potential geopolitical consequences of China’s actions?
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, some argue that decoupling from China in terms of technology and trade is necessary to safeguard Western interests. Do you believe this is a realistic and ultimately beneficial approach, or are there alternative solutions?
**Section 3: Moving Forward**
* **Host:** Colonel Riley, what steps can Western governments take to effectively monitor and disrupt these illicit supply chains?
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, what role can international organizations and private sector actors play in holding companies accountable for facilitating the supply of dual-use technology to regimes engaged in conflicts?
* **Host:** Dr. Chen, what message does this situation send to other countries considering navigating the complex political and economic landscape of international relations?
* **Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful analysis. This is a complex issue with far-reaching implications, and your expertise helps shed light on the challenges and potential solutions.
**Closing Remarks:**
The host ends by summarizing the key takeaways from the discussion and encouraging further research and debate on
the responsible use of technology, international cooperation, and the ethical dimensions of global trade in the context of armed conflict.
