According to sources from a European intelligence agency and documents reviewed by Reuters, Russia began producing a new long-range attack drone, named Garpiya-A1, last year using Chinese engines and components. This drone has reportedly been deployed in the conflict in Ukraine. The intelligence, which includes a production contract for the new drone, internal company communications regarding the manufacturing process, and financial documents, indicates that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey, produced over 2,500 Garpiya drones between July 2023 and July 2024. Read more.
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| The European agency stated that the Garpiya closely resembles the Iranian Shahed drone, while featuring distinctive characteristics, including a bolt-on fin and Limbach L-550 E engines (Picture source: Telegram Channel @ComAFUA) |