China has provided Russia with significant assistance in gaining a key advantage on the battlefield in the war against Ukraine by sharply increasing the export of key components needed for the production of fiber optic drones over the summer, which allowed Moscow to suppress Ukrainian defenses on the front line, writes The Washington Post.
Official data shows that Beijing allowed a sharp increase in the supply of components that enable Russian manufacturers to create fiber optic drones controlled by ultra-thin glass cables, traditionally used for high-speed internet, which unwind in flight over a distance of nearly 20 kilometers. These drones are increasingly used by Moscow as they are less susceptible to interception.
According to Chinese customs data, shipments of fiber optic cables from China to Russia increased nearly tenfold from July to August. The export of lithium-ion batteries, which are likely used to power the drones, also sharply increased over the summer when Russia intensified its air strikes on Ukraine.
Chinese customs data shows that in May and June, China exported record volumes of fiber optic cables to Russia—191,512 and 209,215 kilometers respectively, and in August 527,865 kilometers.
This has serious implications on the battlefield, as lighter and longer cables have allowed Russia to extend the range of its attacks deeper into territory controlled by Ukraine. Authorities in Kramatorsk reported the first attack using fiber optic drones on October 5. Russia uses these drones to destroy Ukrainian logistics lines, command centers, and jamming equipment behind the front line before launching an attack.
At the same time, the export of lithium-ion batteries from China to Russia also sharply increased over the summer, reaching a record $54 million in June.
In July, NATO leaders called China a “decisive factor” in Putin's war against Ukraine. Several rounds of sanctions against Russian and Chinese companies have had little impact on the flow of goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Meanwhile, a WP analysis of supply reports, their chains, as well as trade data and company statements showed that Russian manufacturers, including companies Rustakt, ASFPV (PGI Technologies), and “Stribog,” are closely cooperating with Chinese suppliers and even opening joint production lines in China.
Photo: AP