Russia Develops New “Garpiya-A1” Suicide Drone, Utilizing Chinese Engines and Components

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – European intelligence sources have revealed that Russia has developed a new long-range suicide drone called the “Garpiya-A1,” utilizing Chinese-made engines and components.

Speaking to international media, the sources estimate that Russia has built approximately 2,500 Garpiya-A1 long-range suicide drones over the past year.

The design of the Garpiya-A1 closely resembles that of Iran’s Shahed-136 suicide drone.

Previously, there was no information or news regarding this new Russian suicide drone, but European defense sources believe it was developed by IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Almaz-Antey.

According to international news agencies that have reviewed European intelligence documents, IEMZ Kupol is alleged to have produced the Garpiya-A1 drones from July last year to July this year.

 Almaz-Antey is a renowned Russian manufacturer of air defense systems, responsible for developing systems such as the S-300, S-400, and the latest S-500.

Military analysts say that if the deployment of the Garpiya-A1 in combat zones is confirmed, Russia’s reliance on Iranian-made suicide drones like the Shahed-136 could be coming to an end.

It would also indicate that Russia is increasingly dependent on Chinese-made systems and components to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine.

Furthermore, it signals that Russia has now started to produce its own suicide drones.

Previously, Iran was believed to have sent thousands of suicide drones, such as the Shahed-136, to Russia to support Moscow’s special military operations in Ukraine, which is now in its third year.

There have also been reports that Russia has established a manufacturing facility for Shahed-136 suicide drones, designated Geran-2 by Russia, in the Alabuga industrial area in Tatarstan, not far from Moscow.

This facility is reportedly built in collaboration with Iranian experts.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the use of the new Garpiya-A1 suicide drones, while China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it strictly controls the export of military products, including drones.

European intelligence sources claim that the Garpiya-A1 drones have already been deployed in Russian attacks on civilian and military facilities in Ukraine, causing significant destruction.

They added that the Garpiya-A1 long-range suicide drones were manufactured at an IEMZ Kupol facility in Izhevsk, located in the Udmurt Republic in western Russia.

The Garpiya-A1 weighs 300kg, almost identical to the Shahed-136, and is capable of flying up to 1,500 kilometers to strike its target. – DSA