Russia launched the production of new drones-Kamikadze "Harpia": what is known about them
According to intelligence, Harpia is launched against military and civilian purposes in Ukraine. Senior Researcher at the New American Security Center, Samuel Bendett, stressed that if the information is confirmed, it will testify to Russia's departure from its dependence on Iranian developments. It is noted that the prototype of "Harpius" was launched in the first half of 2023.
By the end of the year, production has reached several hundred, and this year has increased more than twice - up to about 2000 units. According to the media, Harpia is very reminiscent of Shahd, but has some distinctive features. In particular, it is a unique bolt ring and the Limbach L-550 E engine. This engine was designed in Germany, but is now manufactured by Xiamen Limbach in China. The runway of "Harpius" is less than 300 kilograms, and the maximum flight range is 1500 kilometers.
According to these indicators, the drone is close to Iranian ShahED-136. The contract on the preparation of the plant for the production of drones worth more than 1 billion rubles was signed in the first quarter of 2023. According to intelligence, the Russians use the former cement plant in Izhevsk. Journalists identified it by the color and design of beams, as well as internal architecture. Spare parts and 800 Chinese engines were purchased from Chinese companies.
The European Intelligence Service is concerned that business from China continues to sell the Russian Federation components for UAV production. "It is necessary to stop the export of the main components to Russia," the press service stressed. In 2024, 100 axes, carburetors and other Limbach engine details were ordered for the production of Harpium. They were supplied by two Chinese companies - Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries.
The first is already under the sanctions of the United States and the United Kingdom for the supply of drones for drones in the Russian Federation. In total, from April 2022 to December 2023, Juhang goods were imported by $ 36. 3 million and Redlepus goods for $ 6. 2 million. It included aviation engines, transistors, electronic modules, connectors, forks and sockets, spare parts and other components, most of which were referred to as goods of "civilian purpose" or "general -industrial purpose".
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation did not respond to a request to comment on the situation. However, China's Foreign Ministry assured that the country strictly controls the export of potential military use, including drones. "As for the Ukrainian crisis, China has always been assisted by peace talks and political settlement," the ministry emphasized. At the same time, China noted that they did not have international trade restrictions with Russia.