Chinese and Russian companies are teaming up to develop an attack drone similar to one used by Iran in Ukraine, according to European officials cited by Bloomberg. Talks began in 2023, with development and testing starting this year for a drone believed to be a version of Iran’s Shahed model. The drone, potentially named the Sunflower 200, has not yet been deployed in Ukraine.
While the specifics of the drone remain undisclosed, concerns have arisen over the potential provision of lethal aid to Russia. Reports suggest that China may be considering sending fully built drones or conversion kits to be used for attack purposes. Previous reports have indicated China’s assistance to Russia in various military technologies.
This collaboration between Chinese and Russian companies highlights the growing complexity of global defense partnerships. As tensions continue to rise in various regions, the development of advanced military technologies raises questions about the role of different nations in supporting armed conflicts.