China Increases Drone Component Supply Supporting Russia's Expanded Ukraine Production

Russia continues to significantly ramp up production of various types of drones, including fiber-optic (FPV) and Shahed-type drones, to support its military operations in Ukraine. A key factor enabling this expansion is Russia's heavy reliance on China for critical drone components, with at least 41 Chinese-made parts identified in Russian long-range strike drones, leading to claims that many drones are assembled domestically rather than fully manufactured in Russia. Production facilities are located mainly in the Republic of Tatarstan and other undisclosed regions, with new production lines and expanded infrastructure supporting higher output. Despite Russia's claim of producing up to 3,000 Shahed drones monthly, Ukrainian experts note that Russia cannot launch all drones simultaneously, and many attacks involve stockpiled UAVs. Ukrainian defenses have intercepted a significant majority of incoming drones, with interception rates reaching 82% during large attacks. Independent citizen investigators and Ukrainian authorities have also highlighted the involvement of foreign components, including Chinese and Iranian parts, in Russian drones, underscoring the multinational dimension of drone supply chains in the conflict.