Der Spiegel: China developed drones with Russian assistance that can be launched from rocket launchers

The People’s Republic of China was able to develop modern reconnaissance and strike drones launched from rocket launchers thanks to direct technological assistance and classified documentation from Russia. This is the conclusion reached by analysts at the Washington-based research organization Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS). Source: Der Spiegel

The study shows that military-industrial cooperation between Moscow and Beijing has taken on a deep, systematic, and strategic character amid their confrontation with Western countries.

The report’s authors emphasize that a key example of technology transfer was the Russian Tula-based Splav plant (developer of the Smerch multiple-launch rocket system) providing technical documentation for the “drone-in-a-missile” concept. The information was shared with the Chinese state-owned defense conglomerate Norinco between 2014 and 2015, and again in 2022.

The information obtained allowed Beijing to significantly accelerate its own development and unveil upgraded drones launched from SR-5 rocket systems in 2025. The People’s Liberation Army of China views such weapons as a tool for potential operations in the Taiwan Strait region.

Despite close cooperation and China’s role as Russia’s main partner in circumventing Western sanctions and supplying dual-use goods, relations remain complicated. Analysts note the persistent mutual distrust and technological rivalry between the countries. Nevertheless, Moscow and Beijing continue to coordinate their efforts to develop conventional weapons and target critical Western infrastructure, including by discussing measures against the Starlink satellite system.

It was previously reported that China supplies Russia’s military factories with machine tools, specialty chemicals, and gunpowder.

Recall that, based on the Center for Defense Reforms report “Bring to Bear: Taiwan’s Critical Imports to Russia”, the Taiwanese government tightened export controls on dual-use goods shipped to Russia, including machine tools used by Russia’s defense industry, bringing such shipments to a complete halt. A number of measures were also adopted to strengthen export controls on shipments of strategic high-tech products to Russia and expand international cooperation in this area.