US Sanctions Chinese Entities Over Drone Development for Russia

It’s the first time Chinese entities were sanctioned by the United States for developing entire weapons systems with Russian firms.

A police demining unit in an unknown location in Ukraine removes a warhead from a Russian kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle that landed by radio electronic warfare during drone strikes, amid Russia's attacks, in this photo in Ukraine released on Jan. 26, 2024. Press service of the National Police of Ukraine/Handout via Reuters

The United States sanctioned two Chinese companies on Thursday over their role in Russia’s secret drone project in China.

The companies, Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co. Ltd. and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co. Ltd., were targeted for their involvement in developing and manufacturing Russia’s Garpiya series long-range attack unmanned aerial vehicle, according to the Department of the Treasury.