Reuters sources showed photos of this drone, but journalists could not confirm their authenticity.
The Russian Federation has begun production of a new long-range attack drone called Harpy-A1. For this, a Chinese engine and parts are used. Reuters reports this with reference to its sources.
The IEMZ company is developing new drones. Domewhich is a subsidiary of a Russian arms manufacturer Almaz-Antey. More than 2,500 were reportedly produced between July 2023 and July 2024 Harpy.
Russia is said to have used it Harpy against military and civilian targets in Ukraine. The sources, in particular, gave the publication a photo of an alleged new drone, but Reuters did not find information confirming the authenticity of the photo.
The new drone is “very similar to the Shahed” but appears to “have some distinctive features”: a unique bolt-on fin and Limbach L-550 E engines This engine was originally designed and manufactured by a German company, but it is now made in China by a local company Xiamen Limbach.
The Harpy’s take-off weight is less than 300 kilograms, and its maximum flight range is 1,500 kilometers. This is stated in the production contract between the company Dome and the Russian Ministry of Defense. These parameters correspond to the Iranian Shahed-136 drones, which are actively used by Moscow in Ukraine.
The engine company did not respond to the agency’s request for information about the use of its parts.
In the third quarter of this year Vector And Dome Chinese companies Juhang Aviation Technology and Redlepus Vector Industries ordered 100 axles, carburetors and other parts for Limbach engines.
Juhang – came under British sanctions in February and US sanctions in May for supplying drone equipment to Russia.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.