Russia is massively buying drones, small arms, and dual-use goods from Chinese companies. This is stated in the report of the US Department of Defense on China.
The Americans say that Russian customs data showed that Chinese companies, including state-owned enterprises, sold civilian goods, dual-use goods, and some minor military goods to Russian consumers. These include small arms, spare parts, navigation equipment, and protective gear.
The Pentagon writes that the large and unregulated commercial drone market in China has allowed Russian forces to regularly purchase small drones and dual-use unmanned aerial vehicles for the war against Ukraine.
Between March 2022 and 2023, Chinese firms exported more than $12 million worth of drones and components to Russia. Russian forces used Chinese-origin drones to target, surveil, and launch strikes in Ukraine.
